Bus driver enters not guilty plea after triple fatal Christmas Eve crash

Talakai Aholelei was charged over the crash which killed three Tongan tourists. Photo / Michael Craig

The driver at the wheel of a bus that careened down a 100m bank near Gisborne on Christmas Eve, killing three and injuring dozens more, has pleaded not guilty to 30 driving charges.

Talakai Aholelei, 65, appeared in Manukau District Court today to face three charges of careless driving causing death and 27 of careless driving causing injury.

The bus, carrying 53 people as part of the Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College brass band, was travelling on State Highway 2 south of Gisborne when it plunged down a 100m bank about 10.30pm.

Sione Taumalolo, 11, and Talita Moimoi, 33, were killed. The band's head tutor Leotisia Malakai, 55, died eight days later of head and internal injuries.

Sione Taumalolo and Talita Moimoi died in the crash on Christmas Eve. Photos / Supplied

Leotisia Malakai died eight days after the crash involving a touring Tongan brass band. Photo / Supplied

Her cousin Sinai Meafoou earlier told the Herald Malakai was "a very loving, very kind person".

"Sia was a very beautiful and kind-hearted lady. She was very humble."

The band was in New Zealand as part of a fundraising trip, and were travelling to perform at Gisborne's Wesleyan Methodist Church on Christmas Day last year.

The bus lies about 100m down a bank after it crashed on Christmas Eve last year. Photo / Gisborne Herald

The wrecked bus after it was pulled back onto the road near Gisborne. Photo / Gisborne Herald

Tevita Lokotui, a prefect at the college who played tuba in the school band, also lost his left leg at the knee as a result of the crash.

Tevita Lokotui lost his left leg at the knee as a result of the crash. Photo / Paul Taylor

Siokatame Tupou, the brass band's conductor who was seriously injured in the crash, earlier said the survivors were supporting one another and were moving forward.

"We feel sad because three of us died. But that's how it is. The youngest one of my group died and the oldest lady died. I think God took them because he needs them more than us," he told the Herald.

A memorial service was held for Sione Taumalolo and Talita Moimoi on December 29 last year. Photo / Nick Reed

A large contingent from the Tongan community was in court for today's hearing.

Aholelei was remanded on bail until his next appearance at Waitakere District Court next month.