Woman killed in motorcycle collision

File photo / NZ Herald

A woman was killed when her motorcycle and a car collided in Hawkes Bay this morning.

The 46-year-old woman died when a car in front went to turn off State Highway 2 near the Waitangi Bridge near Clive about 7am.

Police said the northbound car had stopped on the highway to turn right into the Waitangi Reserve. It had its indicator on. The motorcyclist came up behind the car and then moved to the wrong side of the road apparently in an attempt to overtake it.

Senior Sergeant Greg Brown said the motorcyclist then lost control as she tried to avoid an oncoming car in the southbound lane. The car tried to take evasive action but they collided. The motorcyclist died at the scene.

Police said they were keen to hear from anyone who saw the yellow older-style motorcycle driving on SH2 between Clive and the crash scene early this morning.

"As part of the investigation we need to ascertain the movements of the motorcyclist leading up to the crash. There would have been a number of cars on the highway at this time, so any information about the motorbike would be helpful to us," Mr Brown said.

The female driver of the car was taken to Hawke's Bay Hospital with shock.

She had no other physical injuries.

Police said the highway was likely to be closed until midday and drivers should take alternative routes.