Police said Tawa was the front-seat passenger in the car and the male driver was in hospital, mainly for observation due to concussion concerns.
They said the male backseat passenger discharged himself from hospital a day after the crash.
The man driving the truck only had minor injuries.
A section of State Highway 2 at Mount Maunganui was closed for several hours as a result of the crash.
Marsh said the 27-year-old man arrested faces charges of manslaughter, dangerous driving causing injury and driving while under the influence of listed drugs causing injury.
A 35-year-old man is also due to reappear in the Rotorua High Court in 2026 in relation to a two-vehicle-crash on SH5, Tapapa, on Wednesday, September 27.
One person died at the scene and two others were injured and taken to hospital.
Marsh said the 35-year-old is also facing charges of manslaughter and driving while under the influence of listed drugs causing injury.
“While these cases are before the courts, I want to acknowledge the victims’ families during this time, as well as the work of our staff in investigating these crashes,” Marsh said.
“These crashes are key examples of why police target the four main behaviours that contribute to crashes which all too often result in fatal and serious injuries – restraints, impairment, distractions, and speed.”
Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.
