Fire appliances from Kaeo and Mangonui were called but the latter was stood down as soon as it arrived. Police took charge of the scene and Mangonui firefighters were busied with traffic control.
Most parts of Northland experienced heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong northwesterlies between Saturday evening and Sunday morning while a front crossed the North Island. However, it was unclear whether rain contributed to the crash.
Police were expected to name the deceased once his next-of-kin had been notified.
The man's death has pushed Northland's road toll for this year to 17. Northland's road toll for 2014 was 19. The Kaeo crash was the third fatality on Northland roads in less than three weeks.
-Meanwhile, one person was trapped in a car crash in Northland on Saturday morning.
Emergency services were called to Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Rd before 8am after a van and a car collided near the intersection with Tara Rd.
A police spokesman said the van ended up on its side.
"The occupants are all safe and well.
"There's no serious injuries."
The van's driver was briefly trapped after a door jammed, but firefighters managed to "release" the door.
"Thankfully everyone is safe and well, only minor injuries and perhaps a little bit of shock."
The serious crash unit was not called.
