The motorcyclist killed in Pakuranga today was a student of nearby Pakuranga College.
The male senior student died when his motorbike collided with a Rav 4 shortly before 1pm on Pakuranga Rd, near the school.
Motorbike parts were strewn across Pakuranga Rd in the crash.
The vehicles collided about 12.55pm outside McDonald's, between Fortunes Rd and Pigeon Mountain Rd.
Pakuranga College principal Mike Williams said it was devastating.
"The boy that lost his life was a very valued member of the community and very popular in the school.
"The whole school community is going to be very upset by this."
Mr Williams was audibly upset and shocked as he spoke the Herald about today's accident.
He said the school's tragic incident plan was being rolled out to support students, staff and their families.
Chloe Hope-Benson was two cars away from the collision, near the entrance to Lloyd Elsmore Park.
"I heard the crash and heaps of people rushed over to him," she said.
The motorbike rider looked young, and she guessed he was aged in his late teens or early 20s.
"When I drove past he was pretty much on the ground. He didn't look like he was in good shape.
"His bike was pretty smashed, the parts were all over the road."
Passersby rushed to the man's aid, including a woman who was a nurse, said Ms Hope-Benson.
"She was helping give him CPR and a couple of other people were calling the ambulance."
Road closures were lifted about 3.30pm today.
The police serious crash unit is investigating.
Emergency services rushed to the scene just after 2am.