4 Sep 2018

Ports of Auckland pleads not guilty over swimmer's death

2:47 pm on 4 September 2018

Ports of Auckland has pleaded not guilty to charges laid over the death of an ocean swimmer in April last year.

Narrow Neck Beach on Auckland's North Shore.

Narrow Neck Beach on Auckland's North Shore. Photo: 123RF

Leslie Gelberger's body was found in the water off Auckland's North Shore with one leg missing.

Police investigated because it was believed the Westlake Girls High School teacher had been struck by a boat, but they did not lay charges, instead referring the case to Maritime New Zealand.

In July, the maritime authority laid health and safety charges against the port company.

The company has entered not guilty pleas to those charges.

It will be back in the Auckland District Court in November.

Mr Gelberger had been described as a kind and gentle soul, who had a great sense of adventure and loved being in the water.