Alleged drink driver accused of manslaughter reached speeds of 160km/h

The accused will stand trial in May 2016. Photo / File

An alleged drink driver responsible for the death of one of his passengers is set to go to trial next year.

Papatoetoe man Hingano Anamanu Kala'uta, 22, is accused of manslaughter following the first road death of 2015, but pleaded not guilty in the High Court at Auckland in July.

A trial date for May 2016 was set today.

The court this morning heard more of the allegations from the early hours of January 1.

It is alleged Kala'uta was not initially behind the wheel but ended up there after a dispute with the sober driver.

According to a police summary of facts, the defendant argued with his girlfriend and others in the car while weaving through traffic on the motorway.

It is alleged he reached speeds of 160km/h.

The car initially hit a barrier on the left side of State Highway 1 after spinning out of control, throwing one passenger out into shrubbery.

They then skidded into the median barrier, the front wheels riding up it, police claim.

When it came down, it is alleged Lavi 'Lovey' Taimani, 22, fell out of the window on to the road.

She died at the scene, while four of the other six passengers were also hospitalised with injuries.

As well as the manslaughter charge, Kala'uta faces four counts of drink driving causing injury.

According to court documents, a blood test gave a reading of 85mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood.

At the time the limit was 80.

Kala'uta has been remanded on bail until trial.