The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

Both victims were 19 years old and from Taupō.

'We're not coping, but we've got to hold it together for the rest of our kids.'

'There’s hundreds of people trying to traverse Northland’s new state highway.'

Police confirmed there were no other passengers in the vehicle.

'I was high-sided into the air and landed on the cheese-cutters.'

The two-vehicle crash happened around 6.10pm yesterday.

'Flashbacks of what happened come and go all the time.'

The road is expected to be blocked for the next one to two hours.

According to Google Maps, northbound traffic had backed up almost 9km to Sylvia Park.

The speed limits were lowered almost two years ago.

Emergency services were called to the crash at Tuamarina at 6.30am.

'The speed limit is not a target, and we want people to drive to the conditions.'

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

The man has pleaded not guilty and will keep his name a secret for now.

Liam Michael Ryan-Morris, 35, was killed when his motorcycle and a truck collided.

Northbound traffic is diverted through School Rd; southbound via Bosher Rd.

Police advised motorists to avoid the area and expect delays.

And other news briefs from around Tairāwhiti.

Police have named two people killed in a crash near Temuka.

The crash involved two vehicles and occurred about 8.10am, with one death now confirmed.

Traffic diversions are currently in place.

Diversions have ended but motorists could still face delays until congestion eases.

The two-vehicle crash closed the Clevely Line and Railway Rd intersection.

Car removed after crashing into building in North Shore’s Mairangi Bay. Video / Alex Burton

The crash occurred on Beach Rd in Mairangi Bay just after 1pm.

Police said support services will be available for those first on the scene.

The video shows cars swerving to avoid flying timber and debris.

'Somebody out there knows who caused this. A simple ride turned into a nightmare.'