Far North police probe after dirt bike rider dead, another seriously injured

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

A Far North community will be hurting after the death of a dirt bike rider reportedly knocked off their bike, a local leader says.

The dirt bike rider was found dead on rural Ngapipito Rd, between Kaikohe and Moerewa, last night.

Police were called about 11.10pm.

A second dirt bike rider was seriously injured on Tana Rd, which intersects with Ngapipito Rd.

Police believed both riders had been knocked off their bikes.

Ngapipito Rd is closed between Mangakahia Rd (SH15) and the intersection of Tana Rd while police investigate.

Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board member Roddy Pihema said there was going to be “a lot of hurt” in the community.

“Someone has lost their life.”

Pihema said the community should support 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.”

Pihema said dirt bikes in the area had been a long-running challenge.

“It’s everywhere,” he said.

“It’s not something that we can deal with, with just council, or just with police.”

Kaikohe Volunteer Fire Brigade chief fire officer Bill Hutchinson said the brigade was called but not required.

Cordons were already in place, Hutchinson said.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact them through 105 online or by phone, referencing file number 260506/1270.

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.