Quad bike company owner's manslaughter charge dropped

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The operator of a quad bike adventure company no longer faces a manslaughter charge over a fatal accident but his company will face charges brought by MBIE.

Percy Kukutai was charged following the death of Chelsea Callaghan, 38, from Melbourne, in October last year.

Ms Callaghan suffered a serious head injury after coming off a quad bike near Port Waikato while on a tour operated by Mr Kukutai's company, Riverland Adventures.

Mr Kukutai appeared in the High Court at Auckland today on a callover for the manslaughter charge.

Justice Timothy Brewer told him there was insufficient evidence to pursue the case.

"The Crown solicitor has reviewed your case and has concluded that there is insufficient evidence of negligence on your part which would establish a causal connection with the death of the deceased,'' he said.

Justice Brewer said the degree of negligence necessary to find a criminal charge was very high. "It goes well beyond mere carelessness,'' he said.

The case had also been reviewed by the Solicitor-General, who agreed there was insufficient evidence for Mr Kukutai to stand trial, Justice Brewer said.

Mr Kukutai was discharged on the charge of manslaughter.

Riverlands Adventures faces charges brought by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in relation to breaches under section 16 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

A hearing will be held next month at Manukau District Court.