Police have released the names of the two young men who died in a crash in the Bay of Plenty yesterday.
They were Chance Whittaker-Ngaropo, 16, of Auckland and Te Hira Whittaker-Ngaropo, 12 of Auckland.
The pair died after a crash on State Highway 2 in Pikowai yesterday morning.
It is understood that 16-year-old Chance was driving the vehicle which was travelling towards Whakatane when it left the road on a straight, and hit trees.
He was stabilised at the scene before being flown to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition for further treatment by the Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter.
It is understood Te Hira was sitting in the back of the car and died at the scene.
A third passenger received injuries that were not serious.