Melanie Giesinger (28) appeared before the Dunedin District Court this morning after last week pleading to careless driving causing the death of Tane Roderick.
Family of the victim - from around the country and Australia - packed the court's public gallery after attending his tangi this week.
A week ago, the defendant was driving a Toyota Hiace van travelling northbound in State Highway 1 when she indicated to turn right into Hillgrove-Moeraki Rd.
Mr Roderick was heading south when the defendant turned into the path of his motorcycle.
He died at the scene.
The family too were keen to sit down with her.
While Giesinger's flights back to Austria were booked for the end of the month, Judge Michael Turner said: “she may need to change that”.
He set sentencing for April 8.
Ms Daysh indicated there may be an application for a discharge without conviction, given the possible “implications” for her client.
She had been in touch with the Austrian consulate, she said.
Giesinger, the court heard previously, had been travelling the country with two friends when the crash occurred.
Mr Roderick’s mother, Sally Wast, of Invercargill, paid tribute to her son this week.
"Tane grew up a typical teenager and did all of the things that horrified his parents.
"He was a carpenter and loved what he did, but moved into more advisory roles and was very good at what he did."
He had many friends and loved life, she said.
"Just over a year ago he found the love of his life and he had just celebrated his first wedding anniversary."
She wanted tougher rules for tourists driving in New Zealand.
The charge of careless driving causing death carries a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment or a $4500 fine.
