Mongols gang associate dies in Canterbury crash

A Mongols bikie gang associate has been killed in a crash near Christchurch.

The crash, involving a car and motorcycle, happened on State Highway 1, Burnham, south of the city, shortly before 10pm on Friday.

Several patched Mongols members were quickly on the scene.

The motorcyclist, Steve

Smith, an associate of the gang, died.

It’s thought they’d been riding in convoy.

Yesterday, Smith’s partner posted a tribute on social media, describing him as ‘‘the most amazing dad’’ and ‘‘our rock’’.

‘‘I’m so thankful to love you and share the most precious memories with you,’’ she said.

The Mongols, an infamous international bikie gang, established a New Zealand chapter in the Bay of Plenty in 2019.

Early last year it expanded into Canterbury, where it set up a headquarters in Burnham.

The gang has many members who have been deported from Australia in recent years.

Its arrival in New Zealand has led to tension in the underworld, including fire bombings and tit for tat shootings.

An investigation into the cause of the Burnham crash was ongoing, police said yesterday.

SH1 was closed between Aylesbury Rd and Dunns Crossing Rd following the crash.

Two people are dead after a serious crash on State Highway 1 near Dunedin yesterday.

The two car crash near Waihola at 9.15am also left two people seriously injured and one person with moderate injuries, police said.

A spokeswoman for St John said this morning that two patients in a critical condition were taken by helicopter from the scene to Dunedin Hospital. Another patient in a serious condition was taken by road to Dunedin Hospital.

The spokeswoman said three helicopters, three road units and two managers were sent to the scene after a call at 9.12am.

The crash happened just south of Waihola, a small township about 40 kilometres south of Dunedin.

❚Police are seeking information after a teenage girl was struck by a vehicle in Hamilton early yesterday.

She suffered critical injuries after the hit-and-run occurred on Boundary Rd just before 2am.

The vehicle, described as being silver, did not stop, a police spokesperson said.

It was last seen turning left from Boundary Rd on to Heaphy Terrace. It then continued travelling northbound.

Police would like to hear from anyone who can help identify and locate the vehicle and the driver.

Anyone with information can get in touch via 105 and quote file number 211023/7765.

Three people have been injured after a quad bike rolled in Scargill, north Canterbury. A police spokeswoman said one person was seriously injured, one had moderate injuries and another had minor injuries.