Talakai Aholelei (65) has pleaded guilty before a New Zealand court for the careless driving of a bus, which resulted in a crash outside Gisborne on Christmas Eve last year. The crash claimed the lives of three Tongan nationals: Sione Taumalolo (11), Talita Fifita (33) and Leotisia Malakai (55).

The bus went off the highway and down a steep embankment, outside of Gisborne city. The bus was carrying 53 people, mostly members of a brass band from Mailefihi Siu'ilikutapu College in Vava’u – who were touring New Zealand to raise funds. Forty-four of the passengers were injured in the crash, with some undergoing surgery and intensive rehabilitation.

Talakai initially pleaded not guilty to careless driving after being charged by New Zealand Police in April. 

Talakai entered his guilty plea today 6 October before the Auckland District Court.

The court has set his sentencing for January next year.