Terea Ngatokorua Maruaau, who appeared in court yesterday, has been ordered to pay over $3000 in reparations to the Te Aponga Uira (TAU) after falling asleep while driving a rental vehicle and crashing into a power pole in Nikao last month.

The defendant, who was charged with careless driving, pleaded guilty to the charge at his first appearance.

The incident occurred on December 22, 2024, just days before Christmas. According to the summary of facts presented in court before Justice of the Peace Tangi Taoro, Maruaau fell asleep while driving on a public road, resulting in the crash that caused damage to both the rental vehicle and a TAU power pole.

The court took into consideration Maruaau’s early guilty plea, acknowledging that this was his first appearance in court for a traffic offence.

As a result, his fine was reduced to $67, down from an initial starting point of $100 due to the prompt plea.

In addition to the fine, Maruaau was ordered to pay reparations for the damage caused in the crash.

He is to pay $3738.31 to electricity company Te Aponga Uira for the damage to the power pole and $7799.47 for the damage to the rental vehicle.

Maruaau is also responsible for court costs of $50.

There was no alcohol involved in Maruaau’s case after police investigations.

Maruaau’s early guilty plea and willingness to take responsibility for the incident were factors that the court considered in its sentencing.