Man pleads guilty to causing death of Whangarei pizza delivery driver

The site where Howard Latimer caused the death of pizza delivery driver Hunter MacKenzie in Whangarei. Photo / John Stone

A Northlander has pleaded guilty to drink driving causing the death of a pizza delivery driver.

Howard Patrick Latimer's pleas in the Whangarei District Court this week came months after he elected a judge-alone trial.

The 54-year-old roofer is facing one charge of driving with an excess blood alcohol level causing death and another of failing to stop to ascertain injury and to render assistance.

He caused the death of 22-year-old Hunter MacKenzie who had been driving a scooter at the intersection of Dent and Norfolk Streets on September 20, last year, in his job as a delivery driver for Domino's Pizza.

Mr MacKenzie, who lived in Ruakaka, died in Whangarei Hospital less than an hour after a crash.

Latimer's breath alcohol level was 645 micrograms per litre of breath. Police said Latimer was found in his blue Toyota Rav 4 at a property a short distance away, shortly after hitting Mr MacKenzie.

Latimer was then taken to Whangarei Police Station where he was given an evidential blood test. He was remanded in custody for sentencing on April 17.

Shockwaves from Mr MacKenzie's death were felt throughout Domino's. The company said the tragedy resulted in the senseless death of a hard-working, friendly and happy young guy.

Mr MacKenzie was an experienced scooter driver who was following all of the safety precautions and necessary measures, including having passed competency testing and completing a safety inspection of the scooter at the beginning of his shift.

Latimer first appeared in court facing just one charge of drink-driving causing death.
Police later laid the second charge and he elected a judge-alone trial on both charges.