Porirua crash victims named

Police have named the two men killed in a head-on crash north of Wellington at the weekend.

Udo Fourie and Nathan John Laurenson, both 18, were killed after the Subaru Impreza they were passengers in crossed the centre line and collided with an oncoming car on Grays Road in Pauatahanui, just after 6pm on Sunday.

The driver of the Subaru was hospitalised with head injuries.

A couple and a toddler travelling in the other car were also hospitalised, with the woman in the intensive care unit.

Police are still investigating the crash.

"We're examining the scene as well as both vehicles. At this point in time, it is too early to comment on any of the factors to the crash or whether any charges will be laid," said Detective Sergeant Glenn Barnett said.

Police want to speak with anyone who witnessed the accident, in particular a female jogger who was seen in the area about the time of the accident .

The men were two of three to die on New Zealand roads at the weekend.

Brandon James Murphy, a 36-year-old Kaikohe man, died after he lost control of his car and crashed into a power pole on State Highway 12, just outside Kaikohe in the Far North about 2.30am yesterday, Acting Senior Sergeant Patrick Davis of Kaikohe police said.

Police believed speed might have been a factor in the crash.

- NZPA