An Auckland bus driver has been charged with manslaughter after he allegedly assaulted a passenger who later died in hospital.
Peter Te Kira, 61, was found with serious head injuries at a bus stop on Great South Rd in Papatoetoe at around 2.15pm on April 27.
He remained in intensive care at Auckland Hospital for three days until he died on April 30.
A 34-year-old man was arrested and appeared in the Manukau District Court on May 1 initially charged with assault.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward said a homicide investigation had continued into Te Kira’s death.
“Police have now charged this man with manslaughter,” he said..
“He will be reappearing in the Manukau District Court on 22 May to face this charge.”
Auckland Transport had earlier confirmed to 1News that the accused was a driver for contracted provider Go Bus and had been stood down from work.
“We were devastated to hear about this incident and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event,” director public transport and active modes Stacey van der Putten said.
