Aurora Rodriquez

Brightwater crash driver ‘thought he had time’

A man has admitted carelessly using a vehicle causing the death of 78-year-old Wakefield man Kevin John Edwards in a crash in Brightwater earlier this year. Kevin spent 9 days in a critical condition before he died from his injuries at Christchurch Hospital on February 3. Reinald Bongnaim pleaded guilty to two charges of careless or inconsiderate vehicle operation causing injury and one of causing death, in the Nelson District Court on Monday. The 35-year-old Vanuatu national is in New Zealand on a seasonal employment visa and was granted a full Vanuatuan licence four months before arriving in New Zealand. He admitted not having much driving experience here. When he came to the intersection of Lord Rutherford Rd and SH6 at 10.25am, a road he had not travelled before, he pulled out into the path of an oncoming Toyota Corolla. That car was being driven by Kevin’s wife, with his 8-year-old granddaughter in the front passenger seat and he seated directly behind his wife. The police summary of facts told how the Corolla was travelling at an estimated speed of 100kmh. Kevin’s wife tried to brake, but had nowhere to go and collided with the passenger door of Bongnaim’s vehicle. Kevin was transferred to Christchurch Intensive Care Unit where he later died. His wife suffered severe bruising to her torso, legs and face, as well as stiffness and whiplash. Their granddaughter had heavy bruising and abrasions to her collarbone, chest and hips. Bongnaim was not injured and his passenger suffered minor injuries. When spoken to by police, Bongnaim told them he had looked right and saw the car coming but thought he had enough time. He looked left then pulled out. Judge Garry Barkle convicted Bongnaim of all three charges. He will be sentenced on July 21.

Jacqui Rawson Reporter

jacqui@waimeaweekly.co.nz

In mid-January, the McIvor family moved to Wakefield to what felt like a safe, peaceful cul-de-sac. They kept both their cats, Milly and Theo, inside for the first few days to let them get accustomed to their new surroundings. Within 48 hours of releasing them outdoors for the first time Theo came back injured. His wounds appeared to have come from something like a BB-gun but the family were unable to confirm that. BB-guns are an air gun that fires projectiles in the form of pellets made of either plastic or aluminium. In New Zealand they’re normally used for pest control, for removing animals from properties such as rabbits, rats and possums. Anyone can use an airgun if they hold a New Zealand Firearms Licence or are under the supervision of someone over 18 years of age that holds a licence. Theo was shot again last month. This time it was a more severe injury with a clear hole visible on his left side. The McIvor family took him to the vet again where he was given antibiotics to heal the wound. Last Wednesday evening Milly turned up howling in pain, her white fur covered in blood. “Milly was so petrified”, said Jasmine McIvor, “and she was dragging her legs behind her”. She calmed down once in Jasmine’s arms. Jasmine said, “It was such a horrific thing that my daughter might never forget”. Again the McIvors went to the vet, determined to get an x-ray this time. The result was a confirmation of what they had feared. Milly’s injuries were the result of a shot from an air rifle and the bullet was lodged in her spine. Milly was put to sleep. Laws exist specific to the use of air guns such as a licensed owner can fire their gun on their residential property if cer

Nine-year-old Stella McIvor clutches Theo, her family’s remaining cat. She fears if he takes off, he’ll end up being

shot again. Photo: Jacqui Rawson.

tain protocols are adhered to. And the Crimes Act 1961 has laws regarding the harm of another person’s animal which hold imprisonment and fines. But without a confession from the person responsible, the police can do little other than offer community education on keeping straying pets off your property. The McIvor family have had a lot of contact from neighbours in surrounding streets, everyone voicing their sympathy. Aaron McIvor, father of Stella placed a post in Facebook to bring the incident to the public’s attention. The responses it brought reference to it not being the first time, some naming a company as the suspect. Most of the people who have been in contact are expressing their anger that this type of thing is able to happen and are concerned about their own pets’ safety. The McIvor’s have spent a considerable amount on visits to the vet over the last four months. They’ve had to say goodbye to a precious part of their family and are now living in an ongoing state of fear that Theo might once again become a target.

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