Police are continuing to investigate the cause of a fatal crash leaving one man dead.
The crash happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning on Tiniroto Road, near Ruakituri.
A 54-year-old Wellington man, who had close family links to the Wairoa area died as a result of the crash.
Acting detective sergeant Brent Griffiths of the Wairoa CIB, said the driver died after his vehicle struck a bank.
"The vehicle the man was driving failed to navigate a moderate bend, left the road and hit a bank on the opposite side of the road."
"Police and Victim Support continue to provide assistance and support to the man's whanau."
Police have not yet released the man's name.