Coroner says Tangaroa Paki’s driving was ‘increasingly dangerous’ before Mount Maunganui crash which killed Brayden Tawa

Open Justice reporter·NZ Herald·1 Sep, 2026 05:00 PM4 mins to read‌Brayden Tawa (inset) died following the crash at the intersection of Hewletts Rd and Aerodrome Rd, Mount Maunganui, in December 2023. Photo / Cameron AveryA suspended and intoxicated driver’s behaviour became “increasingly dangerous” before he crashed his mechanically unsafe car into a truck, killing his best mate. A coroner says that Tangaroa Paki crossed to the wrong side of the road, exceeded speed limits, briefly lost control of his vehicle, yet continued to accelerate