Two males in their 30s died after their ute crashed into a tree overnight in Tautoro, south of Kaikohe.
Serious crash investigator Warren Bunn said they were northbound to Kaikohe when their vehicle hit the left-hand curb on Mangakahia Rd, causing it to go across the road and crash into a tree on the other side.
He said a passerby reportedly alerted the police and emergency services at 10.10pm on Tuesday.
The Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade was called to the scene, alongside Hato Hone St John first responders and police, who worked to free the duo trapped inside the ute.
Despite the rescuers’ best attempts, the critically injured men died at the scene.
