Coroner says Te Awamutu crash was avoidable

Thursday 6 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Thu 6 Nov 2025, 5:00am

In this story Ian Telford

Coroner Ian Telford has warned against driving while tired following the death of mechanic Daniel Wood. Wood died in a February 2023 ute crash on Wharepapa South Road in Te Awamutu. An analyst suggested he likely would have survived if he had been wearing a seatbelt.

How they headlined it

5am

1. NZ HeraldThu 6 Nov 2025, 5:00am

   Fatal Te Awamutu crash: Mamaku mechanic Daniel Wood’s death ‘so avoidable’ - Coroner (opens in new tab)

2. RNZThu 6 Nov 2025, 5:00am

   Daniel John Wood's death after driving while tired 'so avoidable' - coroner (opens in new tab)