Brian Tamaki has admitted a charge of careless driving in Rotorua District Court today after a moment's "inattention" saw him crash into an elderly couple.
Brian Tamaki. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
The Destiny Church minister did not appear in court.
His lawyer, Shannon Eldridge, asked the court if Tamaki's attendance could be excused as it was a category-one and fine-only offence.
Tamaki was charged after crossing the centre line on 6 May 2022 resulting in a crash with an elderly couple in an oncoming vehicle.
Eldridge presented a letter of remorse to the court from Tamaki.
The incident was a moment of inattention and he did not believe Tamaki should be disqualified from driving, he said.
While it was unfortunate this inattention resulted in a crash, this did not always happen, Eldridge said.
He told the court Tamaki took full responsibility.
Eldridge said the couple did not have insurance but Tamaki arranged for his insurance to cover the cost of replacing the couple's vehicle.
The insurance replacement cost was $7500 but the couple believed their vehicle was valued at $8000.
Community magistrate Sherida Cooper asked for the number of demerit points Tamaki had in order to make her decision.
Tamaki had a total of 55 demerits, however, it was not clear what they were for.
Tamaki was ordered to pay both victims $500 for emotional harm, $500 towards the repair of the car and court costs of $130.
Cooper said given the circumstances of the crash, Tamaki would not be disqualified from driving.