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Home / Northern Advocate

Police name driver killed in Whangārei crash as critical investigation continues

Karina Cooper
Karina Cooper
News Director·nzme·
21 Oct, 2025 04:08 AM2 mins to read

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Northland police are carrying out a critical incident investigation into the crash. Photo / NZME

Northland police are carrying out a critical incident investigation into the crash. Photo / NZME

Police have named the motorist killed in a crash during an incident involving officers in Whangārei.

Rhys Harris-Wikaira, 31, died after the Holden he was driving crashed on Memorial Drive in Parahaki about 11.20pm on October 11.

Police last week announced they had launched a critical incident investigation as Harris-Wikaira had crossed paths with officers before the fatal crash.

According to Northland District Commander Superintendent Matt Srhoj, on the night Harris-Wikaira died a police unit had spotted a Holden travelling at high speed along Dave Culham Drive about 11.15pm.

Officers took action, which included activating their red and blue lights on Riverside Drive.

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Police have not responded to the Northern Advocate’s attempt to clarify what that means as earlier media reporting using the word pursuit was corrected.

The Holden then turned on to Memorial Drive from Riverside Drive and crashed shortly afterwards.

Srhoj previously said exactly how the officers responded will form part of the critical investigation, which is ongoing.

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“We would like to acknowledge the impact this event has had on the community, and our thoughts are with those involved.”

Srhoj confirmed several investigations were under way to determine “all the facts surrounding this tragic incident”.

Police wanted to hear from any witnesses in the Parahaki area at the time of or prior to the crash.

Information can be passed on to police via 105 and by quoting reference number 251012/3275, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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