Crash victim hailed as top teacher, good bloke

Police are still investigating the crash which killed teacher Bill Bayliss.

Police are still investigating a crash which killed Kerikeri school teacher Bill Bayliss, as tributes flow for him.

The school at which Mr Bayliss worked has paid tribute to a "deeply respected" teacher, family man and club volunteer killed during a morning bike ride on Saturday.

Mr Bayliss, 54, was riding on Kapiro Rd in rural Kerikeri when he was in collision with a four-wheel-drive. The police Serious Crash Unit was investigating but it was too early to say if charges would be laid. Police were interviewing witnesses and the driver yesterday.

Mike Pinker, principal of Westmount School where Mr Bayliss taught, said he would be missed. He had been a respected, loyal and greatly appreciated staff member since 2005.

"The passing of Mr Bayliss leaves all members of our school, from the staff, students and our parent community, deeply saddened," he said.

While based at Westmount's Northland campus, on Blue Gum Lane off SH10, Mr Bayliss was head of maths for all 14 Westmount schools.

It was too early to say what the school would do to remember Mr Bayliss. For now, Mr Pinker said, supporting his wife and family, as well as shocked staff, students and parents, was the priority.

Mr Bayliss was taken by ambulance to the Kerikeri Sports Complex on Waipapa Rd but died before he could be airlifted to hospital.

Parts of his bicycle and helmet were scattered along a 100m stretch of road. The 4WD Isuzu Mu came to rest on its side.

The Kerikeri Fire Brigade discovered the crash on the way to a call-out at Te Tii. Firefighters administered first aid until St John Ambulance arrived.

Fire chief Les Wasson said he knew Mr Bayliss and his family: "They're taking it pretty hard."

Westmount's Northland campus is part of a national network of private schools for children of Exclusive Brethren members.

Mr Bayliss was also Kerikeri Squash Club treasurer, chairman Claude Shepherd calling him a "really good bloke".

The crash occurred on a straight section of road.

Mr Bayliss was the second cyclist to die in New Zealand this year.