Manslaughter charge for driver who allegedly killed jogger Caroline Boyd in Paekakariki

Caroline Boyd was hit by a car while jogging in March. Photo / Supplied

The man accused of hitting and killing a jogger with his car has been charged with manslaughter.

Nathan James Lyon, 37, appeared in the High Court in Wellington this morning charged with manslaughter by dangerous driving causing death, dangerous driving causing injury, and driving while suspended.

All three charges relate to the death of top public servant Caroline Boyd, who was hit by a car while jogging in Paekakariki on March 19.
One other person was injured in the crash.

Lyon, 37, has not yet entered a plea.

Justice Robert Dobson said he would ordinarily require a plea by the second appearance, but Lyon's lawyer had asked for it to be put off until the next appearance.

Lyon will enter pleas on December 1. He has been remanded on bail.

Boyd, 56 at the time of her death, was a principal analyst for the Ministry of Women's Affairs before 2012, and later worked for the Ministry of Health.

She lived in Ngaio and was married with three children. She and her family also owned a house in Paekakariki.

After her death, sister and family spokeswoman Sarah Boyd described her as "an incredibly energetic, positive and engaging person".

"She had deep empathy for people, boundless curiosity and a zest for life. She leaves an enormous void in the lives of her family, particularly her husband and three children, and her many close friends."