Patient killed in ambulance crash named

Police at the scene after an ambulance hit a power pole, Moerewa. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The patient who died after the ambulance he was being taken to hospital in crashed into a power pole was Sonny Rawhiti Kemp, from Kaeo.

The St John ambulance had collected the 66-year-old from a Moerewa home where it is understood he was staying with family just before 6.30am.

Staff were taking him to Bay of Islands Hospital in Kawakawa when the crash occurred on the town's main street.

The investigation into the cause of the crash, whether it was a factor in Mr Kemp's death is ongoing.

One St John staffer was injured and remains in Whangarei Hospital. Police said he was in a "satisfactory condition"

"We are continuing to support our staff, while carrying out a standard internal review as we would with any adverse incident," said St John spokesman Robbie Walker.

"St John supports the ongoing police investigation and we have no further comment at this time."