Whangārei crash victim named as 21-year-old Seth Isiah Dundass

The crash site on Riverside Drive was directly outside the carpark for Whangārei Aquatic Centre.

A Whangārei man praised as a “keen young worker” has been named as the person killed in a crash last Saturday.

Police said Seth Isiah Dundass, 21, of Onerahi, died when the truck he was driving crashed into a power pole near the intersection of Riverside Drive and Ewing Rd about 1.25am.

However, some people believe Dundass’ vehicle hit a concrete pillar that was part of a fence between the Whangārei Aquatic Centre carpark and Victoria Bridge.

Police said Dundass had been the only person inside the vehicle at the time.

A co-worker paid an emotional tribute to his forestry workmate after learning of his death.

He said Dundass had started as his trainee in the logging industry about a month ago.

While he was new he had proved himself to be a “hard young keen worker” who never shied away from giving things.

The co-worker described the young father’s death as heart-wrenching.

Police said Dundass’ death would be reported to the coroner.

Family have been approached for comment.

*This story has been updated. The age provided by police was incorrect, according to family.

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.