The victim of a crash between a motorcycle and a ute in Taupo yesterday has been named by police as Benjamin Allan Biddle.
The 32-year-old local man died from his injuries at the scene on State Highway 1 at Motutere, despite efforts of people at the scene to save him.
Emergency services were called about 6.50pm.
The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the cause and looking into whether speed and alcohol were factors.
However, initial inquiries indicated Biddle's northbound motorcycle crossed the centre line and collided with the ute, which was heading south.