Biker dies on 'notorious road'

Wayne McEvedy. Photo / Supplied

A motorcyclist was killed when he lost control of his bike on a "notorious" bend of the Methven Highway near Ashburton early yesterday morning.

Wayne McEvedy, a 36-year-old digger operator, was on his way home when he came off his bike about 6am.

His uncle Paul McEvedy said Wayne rode a powerful Honda CBR 1000F and was passionate about motorbikes.

"Wayne normally goes riding with his dad on Saturdays," he said.

"He was an excellent lad, had everything going for him."

Dawn Robertson, a farmer who lives near the stretch of road, said there had been several accidents along the bend in recent years as a lot of people misjudged it.

Meanwhile, one person was in a critical condition in hospital and three others were badly injured in a head-on collision near Nelson yesterday afternoon.

The female driver of one car became trapped under the steering wheel and was unable to breathe, according to witnesses.

Jordan Tulloch came across the accident scene on State Highway 6 north of Nelson just after 5pm.

Tulloch called emergency services who gave him instructions as he went to check on the drivers.

"One lady was trapped in the driver's seat. She couldn't breathe, the steering wheel was pushed up against her chest."

Sergeant Dean Murray said four people were in hospital with various injuries.

In Taranaki, a man died when the tractor he was driving rolled down a steep gully.

Emergency services were called to the farm on Hursthouse Rd about 15km southeast of New Plymouth about 11.50am and declared him dead on arrival.