Teen charged over fatal Pahiatua crash

The scene of the crash which killed 16-year-old Cheyenne Ihaka. Photo / Supplied

A teenager has been arrested and charged today after another teen was killed in a head-on crash.

Cheyenne Ihaka, 16, died in the crash on State Highway 2 at Pahiatua, near Palmerston North, on July 23.

An initial investigation suggested Cheyenne had been driving a Ford involved in the crash, and a 17-year-old had been a passenger. However, further inquiries ruled this out.

Police today said a 17-year-old from Tararua had been arrested and charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, careless driving causing death and careless driving causing injury.

He would appear in Palmerston North District Court tomorrow.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Sheridan said it was a difficult time for Cheyenne's family, and the family of a woman travelling in another car who was seriously injured in the crash.

"Throughout this process we have been updating the families involved and while these findings provide some clarity, this continues to be a difficult time for them," Mr Sheridan said.