A section of State Highway 15 near Whangārei will be closed overnight while police investigate the “unexplained” death of a motorcyclist.
The motorcyclist was found dead in a creek adjacent to Otaika Valley Road, SH15, just before 5.30am today and his motorcycle was found on the side of the road.
Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said police inquiries were in the “early stages” and the death was being treated as “unexplained”.
As part of its scene examination, police closed a section of SH15.
This afternoon, NZTA Waka Kotahi said SH15 between Maungatapere and Otaika would remain closed overnight as the investigation continued and it was expected to remain closed until tomorrow afternoon.
Detours via SH14 and SH1 were in place for those travelling between Maungatapere and Otaika.
“Locals who need to access their properties along the stretch of State Highway 15 between Maungatapere and Otaika should approach uniformed staff at the cordon.”
Pilmer asked anyone who travelled through SH15 (Otaika Valley Road) early this morning and witnessed anything to contact police via 105.
He said a post-mortem on the motorcyclist would be “carried out in due course”.