Two drivers charged over boy's death

Two men not known to each other are facing identical charges of reckless driving causing the death of a 12-year-old boy.

Police said the decision to prosecute both men, one from Palmerston North and the other from Taupo, on the same charge was unusual.

Mani Wall died after he was hit by a Honda Prelude on State Highway 1 at Waitahanui last New Year's Eve.

Mani had been swimming in the river with friends and was trying to cross the road.

Police allege the 20-year-old driver of the Honda and the 18-year-old driver of a Mitsubishi Lancer both decided to drive recklessly.

Detective Allan Humphries of Taupo said it was alleged the vehicles were driving at close range and passing other traffic for about 4 kilometres before the accident.

Police stressed at the time of the crash that no boy-racing activity was involved.

The decision to charge both drivers was made after consideration by the Bay of Plenty police district legal section.

The men are due to appear in the Taupo District Court tomorrow.

Mr Humphries said the investigation had taken time because a number of witnesses were visiting Taupo for New Year's and inquiries had to be carried out by other police stations.

Mani's family have petitioned for the speed limit through Waitahanui, which is 16km south of Taupo, to be reduced from 70 km/h to 50 km/h.

The family are expecting to hear back from Transit this month.