A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.
A man accused of rape and unlawful sexual connection has pleaded not guilty.
Ratu Niumaia Turaganicolo, 27, entered his pleas during a brief appearance on Monday in Gisborne District Court.
He elected a judge alone trial on the two charges and was further remanded on bail for a case review
hearing on September 21.
Counsel Heather Vaughn said Turaganicolo — a Fijian national — had a relatively good command of the English language but an interpreter would be appointed to assist with his case going forward.
