A motorcyclist has died following a collision with a car near Whakatane last night.
The crash occurred approximately 6.10pm on State Highway 2, Awakeri, on a stretch of highway known as White Pine Bush Rd.
Eastern Bay of Plenty police Sergeant Ray Wylie said initial inquiries indicated the motorcyclist crossed the centre line colliding head-on with a car travelling in the opposite direction.
The 58-year-old rider of the motorcycle, who is formerly from the area but was living in Australia, died from his injuries at Whakatane Hospital.
The driver of the car, a local woman aged 44, and her passenger, a 6-year-old girl, were also taken to Whakatane Hospital.
The woman has since been discharged, but the child remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Whakatane Police on (07) 308 5255.