Crash near Whangārei leaves one person dead

Police are calling for witnesses to a fatal crash just north of Whangārei after two cars were seen travelling at high speed on State Highway 1.

The crash occurred at Kauri about 8.30pm on Monday, leaving one person dead.

St John said one other person had moderate injuries but was not taken to hospital.

Police want to hear from anyone who saw two cars speeding northwards between Springs Flat and the Kauri dairy factory between 8pm and 8.30pm.

A witness told RNZ a large number of police attended the crash and appeared to be treating it as a potential crime scene.

State Highway 1 has since reopened.