Coroner criticises driver before fatal Mount Maunganui crash

Wednesday 2 September 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Wed 2 Sep, 5:00am

A coroner has described the driving of Tangaroa Paki as increasingly dangerous prior to a December 2023 crash in Mount Maunganui. Mr Paki, who was driving an unsafe vehicle while impaired by alcohol and cannabis, crashed into a truck, killing passenger Brayden Tawa and injuring two others.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffWed 2 Sep, 4:00am

   Passenger killed after impaired driver sped through red light into heavy truck (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldWed 2 Sep, 5:00am

   Coroner says Tangaroa Paki’s driving was ‘increasingly dangerous’ before Mount Maunganui crash which killed Brayden Tawa (opens in new tab)