A former Maori Party candidate will defend a charge of manslaughter after a man collapsed outside an alcohol and drug rehabilitation centre while trying to break in.
Timothy Aperahama Morrison, 45, is studying to be a paramedic and administered first aid to the man after an alleged altercation at the Bridge, the Salvation Army's rehabilitation centre in Mt Eden.
Police allege Rob Harris had been trying to kick in the front door when he was discovered by Morrison, who was working as a night supervisor. The pair struggled and Harris was knocked to the ground. Harris, 46, died a week after the incident.
Morrison appeared in at the High Court at Auckland today where his lawyer Lorraine Smith entered a not guilty plea to the charge.
Justice Timothy Brewer remanded Morrison on bail and set the trial down for eight days in August.