Police in Whangarei believe excessive speed contributed to the death of a teenager after the car he was driving lost control.
Anaru Toko Ahpene, 17, of Kaikohe, died after his car left Western Hills Drive in Whangarei about 3.45am on Sunday.
Police say the vehicle, a Nissan Skyline, became airborne and ended up embedded in the bank of a stream.
Three other men who were passengers in the car had moderate injuries.