Taupō fatal crashes: Police name two men killed on SH1 and SH5

Police have named the victims of two fatal crashes on consecutive days near Taupō.

Stephen Packard, 59, of Auckland died after a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 1, between Taupō and Tūrangi near Rawhira Rd, just after 1.10pm on March 8.

The road was closed and traffic was diverted most of that afternoon along the western side of Lake Taupo.

Police also today named Wiremu Johnson, 29, of Tokoroa as the person who died in a crash on State Highway 5 at Rangitaiki on March 9.

Emergency services were called to the single-vehicle crash near Rangitaiki School Rd about 2.10am.

Johnson was found dead at the scene with two others receiving minor injuries.

Police said today investigations into both crashes continued.