A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a car near Whakatane last night.
The crash occurred at approximately 6.10pm on SH2, Awakeri on a stretch of highway known as White Pine Bush Road.
Initial enquiries indicate that the motorbike crossed the centre line colliding head-on with a car travelling in the opposite direction. The 58-year-old rider of the motorbike, who is formally from the area but was living in Australia, died from his injuries at Whakatane Hospital.
The driver of the car, a local woman aged 44, and her passenger, a 6-year-old girl, were also taken to Whakatane Hospital. The woman has since been discharged and the child remains in hospital in a stable condition
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255.