Man dies in beach crash

A man was killed when the car he was driving rolled on a remote part of Ninety Mile Beach, in the Far North, yesterday afternoon.

Police last night said Thomas Walker, 27, died at the scene.

A passenger was airlifted to Whangarei Hospital with moderate injuries while the third occupant was unhurt.

The car they were in was travelling north along the beach when it appeared to have aquaplaned, then rolled, around 3.30pm, police said.

The accident happened about 30km south of Ninety Mile Beach's northern entrance, in the Te Paki stream area.

Alcohol and the vehicle's condition did not appear to be factors in the crash, police said.

Earlier yesterday, a 33-year-old motorcyclist died after colliding with a four-wheel-drive vehicle at an intersection near Russell, in the Bay of Islands, at 12.15pm.

The man died shortly after being flown to Whangarei Hospital.

The female driver of the other vehicle received minor scratches, police said.

Speed appeared to be a factor in the crash.

- NZPA