The Hamilton City Council appeared in court this morning for sentencing over the death of Hamilton zookeeper Samantha Kudeweh.
Ms Kudeweh was mauled by Sumatran tiger Oz in September last year after a gate was inexplicably left open.
Lawyer for the council James Gurnick said the council acknowledged unreservedly that they failed to keep Ms Kudeweh safe but disputed the amount of emotional harm reparation due to the family.
Prosecutor Catalijna Pille submitted the council should pay about $110,000, something Mr Gurnick argued was extreme, given that puts the council in the same boat as Pike River mine which was described as a systematic failure.
He argued the council should pay $60,000, about the same amount for a similar incident at Wellington Zoo.
Judge Denise Clark adjourned the matter until Friday afternoon.
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