Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Two people have been charged with manslaughter following two 2023 fatal crashes in Bay of Plenty.
Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Logan Marsh said inquiries began last September after the first fatal crash.
A 35-year-old man is due to reappear in the High Court at Rotorua in 2026 facing charges over a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa, on 27 September.
A 27-year-old man is due to reappear in the High Court at Tauranga on 3 July in relation to a two-vehicle crash on Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, on 27 December.
Both men have been charged with manslaughter, and driving while under the influence of listed drugs causing injury.
The 27-year-old also faces charges of dangerous driving causing injury.
Inspector Marsh acknowledged the victims' families, as well as the work of officers in investigating the crashes.