Youth accepts dangerous driving causing death of Kaikohe 11yo Staci Walkley

Staci Walkley, 11, described as having a heart of gold, died in the crash in August 2025.

An 18-year-old has accepted dangerous driving charges, in relation to a Northland crash last year where Kaikohe 11-year-old Staci Walkley died.

The two-vehicle crash occurred on Kaikohe’s Hillcrest Rd on August 6.

Staci Waireia Walkley, who has been described as a happy-go-lucky girl with a big heart, died at the scene and five other people were injured.

In December, an 18-year-old male was summoned to the Kaikohe Youth Court, facing eight charges in relation to the incident.

On Friday at the Kaikohe Youth Court, the teenager accepted six dangerous driving charges, through his lawyer Catherine Cull KC.

“The [charges] relating to dangerous driving causing death and five of dangerous driving causing injury all are not denied,” she said.

The most serious of those charges is dangerous driving causing death, which has a maximum penalty of 10 years’ jail if convicted.

Cull asked for more time to consider two other, less serious, charges – driving with sustained loss of traction and failing to stop after the accident – while she awaited police discovery.

Judge Michelle Howard-Sager directed a family group conference to take place, speaking directly to the teenager to explain what that meant.

“Given that you have accepted the offending in respect of the six charges, I’m directing a family group conference. Oranga Tamariki hold that – it’s like a massive meeting including people from the whānau affected, your whānau and other professionals.

The 18-year-old did not deny six dangerous driving charges in Kaikohe Youth Court. Photo / NZME

“This is our opportunity to have a really good think about what needs to be put in place, for a plan so that you don’t come before the court again,” she told the teenager.

Howard-Sager also addressed the family of Staci, who were present in court, acknowledging the sad circumstances of their loss and thanking them for coming to court.

Judge Howard-Sager granted permission for the Northern Advocate to report on the proceedings in the youth court – where publication is normally banned – provided the 18-year-old’s name, identifying details and names of the injured victims were not published.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.