A Bluff woman charged in connection with the sinking of the fishing vessel Easy Rider has pleaded not guilty.
Maritime New Zealand is prosecuting Gloria Davis and the company that operated the boat, which sank in Foveaux Strait in March with the loss of eight lives.
She is the widow of the skipper Rewai Karetai and now sole director of the AZOne company.
Both the company and Ms Davis are charged under the Maritime Transport Act with operating the Easy Rider knowing its master did not hold a skipper's certificate, and that they allowed the boat to be operated in a dangerous manner.
AZOne is also charged under the Health and Safety in Employment Act with failing to ensure the safety of its employees, or others on the vessel.
