Actor Cliff Curtis faces upgraded charge after Auckland crash

Actor Cliff Curtis faces a more serious drink driving charge after a crash on Auckland's waterfront last month that hospitalised a taxi driver.

Court Appearance

Court documents made public show police allege the 58-year-old actor had 122mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood when his Tesla hit a parked Toyota Prius taxi at the intersection of Jellicoe Street and Halsey Street on September 23. Curtis was medically excused from his first appearance in the Auckland District Court, where his lawyer Samuel Moore represented him. A plea was not entered, and Judge Ajit Swaran Singh set the next court hearing for October 29. Police updated the drink driving allegation to drink driving causing injury, which carries up to five years in prison and a driving ban of at least 12 months. Curtis also still faces a charge of recklessly operating a motor vehicle. He remains on bail with conditions that he do not drive or contact the other driver.

The Victim And Injuries

Taxi driver Gagan Deep Singh stated he was waiting for a fare and had briefly removed his seatbelt when the vehicle crashed into his car and pushed it into a concrete bench. Singh suffered eight broken ribs, a broken collarbone, a lower hip fracture, hand injuries, and head cuts needing stitches, alongside internal bleeding in his lungs. He has been ordered by a doctor to stay on bed rest for two months. Firefighter Michael Manning described the incident as a very high-speed crash for the area, noting his crew had to free a person badly trapped inside the taxi and provide advanced life support. Curtis is also recovering at his home in Rotorua from internal injuries.

Statements And Background

Curtis issued a statement saying he made a devastating mistake and is deeply sorry, adding that his thoughts are with the injured taxi driver and his family. The actor is known for his roles in New Zealand films like Once Were Warriors, Boy, and Whale Rider, as well as various international blockbusters.

Context

New Zealand law sets the criminal prosecution limit for driving with alcohol at 80mg per 100ml of blood for adults. Waterfront areas like Wynyard Quarter often enforce lower speed limits, such as 30km/h, to keep pedestrians safe.