Police allege Kiwi actor Cliff Curtis was well over the legal alcohol limit before a downtown Auckland crash that seriously injured a taxi driver.
Curtis, known for his roles in Once Were Warriors and Avatar, is also facing an upgraded charge of causing injury while driving with excess blood alcohol.
The actor was excused from his first appearance at the Auckland District Court today on medical grounds.
The 58-year-old is also accused of reckless driving.
The upgraded drink-driving charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000.
Police asked for bail conditions to be imposed including not contacting the taxi driver or driving.
Lawyer Samual Moore, who was representing Curtis, said his client could not travel to Auckland to sign bail documents and he had concerns about his health.
The charges relate to a crash at the intersection of Jellicoe St and Halsey St in Wynyard Quarter on September 23.
Curtis' Tesla and a taxi were badly damaged in the collision.
Two people were taken to hospital, including the taxi driver, who suffered serious injuries.
Charging documents seen by 1News allege Curtis had a blood alcohol reading of 122mg per 100ml of blood.
For adult drivers (aged 20 and over) a blood alcohol reading between 51 and 80 milligrams per 100ml of blood results in an infringement offence, while a reading above 80 milligrams results in criminal prosecution.
In a statement released last night, the actor said he continues to recover at home from internal injuries.
"I made a devastating mistake, and I'll have to live with the consequences and do what I can to address the harm caused.
"I am deeply sorry. My thoughts are with the injured taxi driver and his family," Curtis said.
Curtis will appear in court later this month.
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