Coroner finds methamphetamine and speed caused fatal North Canterbury crash

Monday 7 September 2026 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 7 Sep, 7:39am

A coroner ruled that an unlicensed driver, heavily affected by methamphetamine and travelling at 117kph, caused a fatal head-on crash on State Highway 1 in January 2024. The collision killed Peta Kerr and another driver, while Kerr's 7-month-old child survived with minor injuries.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffMon 7 Sep, 4:00am

   A sleepless night, meth and 117kph: What led to fatal head-on crash on SH1 (opens in new tab)

2. The PressMon 7 Sep, 4:00am

   Unlicensed, drug-affected driver crossed centreline in fatal North Canterbury crash (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldMon 7 Sep, 5:00am

   Double fatal: Speeding, unlicensed driver Peta Kerr had meth in her system (opens in new tab)

4. 1News via RNZMon 7 Sep, 7:39am

   Meth-using, speeding driver with baby in car killed two in head-on crash (opens in new tab)