Second charge laid over Whangarei pizza delivery death

The intersection of Norfolk and Dent Streets where pizza delivery driver Hunter MacKenzie was seriously injured in a crash and died in hospital. Photo / John Stone

Police have laid another charge against a Northland man accused of killing a Whangarei pizza delivery driver who was driving a scooter.

Howard Patrick Latimer, 54, appeared in Whangarei District Court last week charged with causing the death of 22-year-old Hunter MacKenzie while driving with an excess blood alcohol level on September 20.

Latimer, a roofer, was remanded in custody and reappeared on Monday, charged with another charge of failing to stop to ascertain injury and to render assistance.

Mr MacKenzie, of Ruakaka, died in Whangarei Hospital less than an hour after a crash at the intersection of Dent and Norfolk Sts.

It is alleged Latimer's breath alcohol level was 645 micrograms per litre of breath. The legal limit for motorists aged 20 and over is 250mcg.

Police said Latimer was found sitting in his blue Toyota Rav 4 in the driveway of a property a short distance away.

He failed an initial screening test and was taken to Whangarei Police Station where he allegedly recorded a level of 645mcg of alcohol per litre of breath.

Latimer will reappear on October 9 when pleas were expected to be taken on the two charges.

Shockwaves from Mr MacKenzie's death were felt throughout the large pizza chain, Dominos.

"The safety of all of our team members has always been and will continue to remain our number one priority,'' the company's Australian-based Head of Communications Tracy Llewellyn said.

"What happened last week was an absolute tragedy that resulted in the senseless death of a hard-working, friendly and happy young guy.

"It is nothing short of devastating and the entire team is feeling the loss of a colleague and friend.''

Ms Llewellyn said 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.

"In New Zealand we do thousands of safe pizza deliveries via scooters every single week and they will continue to form part of our delivery fleet family - along with cars and ebikes.

"However, we remain committed to continually updating and reviewing best industry practices when it comes to the safety and wellbeing of our team members throughout all aspects of our business, particularly delivery.

"This will continue to remain a key focus of our team.''