Second death in Waipū crash takes Northland's road toll to 32

Senior Constable Warren Bunn, of the police Serious Crash Unit, carries out a scene examination at the site of the fatal Waipū accident on December 23. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A husband whose wife was tragically killed in a vehicle crash in Waipū two days before Christmas has died from his injuries.

The 80-year-old Maungatūroto local and his wife, Jean Muriel Stewart - also 80, were travelling northbound along State Highway 1 when their Hyundai station wagon and a southbound Land Rover collided head-on shortly before 1pm on December 23.

Serious Crash Unit Senior Constable Warren Bunn said one of the vehicles had crossed the centreline on a stretch of highway between Mountfield Rd and Rosythe Rd, about 35km south of Whangarei.

Stewart died at the scene and her husband was airlifted to Auckland Hospital in critical condition.

He was transferred to the hospital's Intensive Care Unit where he remained until his death on Monday morning.

A Northland police spokesperson said the investigation into the Waipū crash was ongoing.

"Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this difficult time," police said when releasing the name.

The double fatality has taken Northland's road toll for the year to 32 - with three more deaths than last year's total of 29.

Bunn reminded motorists ahead of the summer surge of traffic to "go with the flow" as more vehicles were expected on the region's roads.

He urged people travelling below the speed limits to be considerate and allow other vehicles to pass when and where appropriate.

"... as a driver not only are you responsible for your own vehicle but also for what's in your environment," Bunn said.

Anyone who may have seen the Waipū crash or the vehicles driving beforehand is asked to contact police on 105 and quote file number 211223/3317.