The ute driver and passenger, who were from the local area and aged 32 and 34, died at the scene. (file image) Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
At least one of two men who died in a crash in the Far North on Tuesday night was not wearing a seat belt, a crash investigator says.
The crash was discovered about 10.15pm by another motorist on Mangakahia Rd/State Highway 15, roughly 10km south of Kaikohe.
Senior Constable Warren Bunn, of the police Serious Crash Unit, said the ute was travelling north near Tautoro when it lost control at a gentle left-hand bend, hit a concrete water channel, crossed to the right-hand side of the road and became airborne.
The ute then hit a tōtara tree, inflicting significant damage to the vehicle.
The occupants, who were from the local area and aged 32 and 34, died at the scene.
Bunn said the passenger was not wearing a seat belt but he could not be sure about the driver.
The investigation into the circumstance of the crash was continuing.
The Toyota Hilux ute had been reported stolen.
Police, St John Ambulance and firefighters from Kaikohe and Whangārei responded.
The highway was closed for a significant period but had reopened by Wednesday morning.
The crash brings Northland's road toll so far this year to 25, according to Ministry of Transport figures.
Failing to wear a seat belt has been a factor in many of those fatalities.
The New Zealand-wide toll for the year to date now stands at 209.