German driver charged over fatal Christchurch crash

The scene of the crash near the intersection of Goulds Road and Leeston Road. Photo / NZ Police

A German driver has been charged over the death of a woman in a car crash.

Leeston resident Stephanie Anne Ellis, 54, died after yesterday morning's crash near Springston, Canterbury.

Police have charged the 26-year-old driver of a Honda Odyssey which allegedly collided into Mrs Ellis' Toyota with careless use of a vehicle causing death.

Canterbury Police said witnesses alleged the Honda did not stop at the intersection of Goulds and Leeston roads.

The 26-year-old man was summonsed to appear in Christchurch District Court on Friday.

"To know that our much loved mother and close friend is not coming home is extremely upsetting," said a spokesperson from Mrs Ellis' family.

"We understand that there is considerable public interest in the events that led to us losing our mother but ask that they and the media respect our request for privacy.

"We are all shell-shocked and supporting each other while we come to terms with the new reality we find ourselves in," the family spokesperson added.

"We hope no other family has to go through what we are going through."

Mrs Ellis would be farewelled at a private funeral.