Ngapipito Rd dirt bike death: Police continue probe

Police are investigating after a dirtbike rider was found dead and a second was left seriously injured after incidents on two rural Far North roads.

Police are continuing to investigate the death of a dirt bike rider in the Far North on Tuesday.

The man was found dead on rural Ngapipito Rd, between Kaikohe and Moerewa, about 11.10pm.

A second dirt bike rider was seriously injured on Tana Rd, which intersects with Ngapipito Rd. They are in hospital in a stable condition.

Police believed both riders had been knocked off their bikes.

Northland Criminal Investigation Branch Detective Senior Sergeant Christan Fouhy yesterday said a large scene examination had taken place on Ngapipito Rd and a nearby property.

A cordon was in place most of the day.

“Our investigation is still in the very early stages in piecing together the events that have led to these two males coming off these dirt bikes,” he said.

An autopsy was expected to be carried out today.

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board member Roddy Pihema yesterday said the community would be hurting.

“Someone has lost their life.”

He urged people to support the police during their investigation.

“I think the best thing to do is hold our tongues ... let the truth come out.

“Not just for the family, but the community as a whole.”

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them online or via 105, quoting reference number 260506/1270.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.