Man dies after motorbike collides with car

File photo / NZ Herald

A 58-year-old man has died after his motorbike collided with a car near Whakatane last night.

Police said the crash occurred about 6.10pm on White Pine Bush Rd, or State Highway 2, in Awakeri.

Police believed 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 was formerly from the area but 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, police said.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Whakatane Police on 07 308 5255.