Robert Burns Hutcheon, 70, from Lyttleton, was killed while riding his motorcycle on State Highway 1 near Sefton, North Canterbury on April 30.
He was described by his family as a “very kind and gentle man”.
Paul Christopher Laxon appeared in the High Court at Christchurch today via audio-visual link before Justice Cameron Mander. Laxon is charged with manslaughter and drug-related charges.
Laxon pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A tentative two-week trial date has been set for February 2025. Laxon was remanded in custody to his next appearance on November 24.
A relative of Hutcheon gave the Herald a brief statement on Thursday.
“We miss Rob so much, he was a good man.”
A second person was seriously injured in the crash and was transported to Christchurch Hospital by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
