A woman has been charged for driving drunk and causing the death of 17-year-old Shayna Kumitau in February.
Ms Kumitau died in Auckland Hospital four days after the crash on State Highway 23 near Whatawhata, between Hamilton and Raglan.
Sergeant Grant Houston said a 41-year-old Hamilton woman had been charged with excess blood alcohol causing death, aggravated careless driving causing death, three charges of excess blood alcohol causing injury and three charges of aggravated careless driving causing injury.
"This crash cost 17-year-old Shayna Kumitau, an innocent front seat passenger travelling in an oncoming Suzuki Swift, her life and injured three other people, one of whom is still recovering from very serious injuries," Mr Houston said.
The driver is to appear in Hamilton District Court on July 24.
"It is hoped that in announcing the charges on the eve of the official Queen's Birthday holiday period, drivers will be deterred from getting behind the wheel after drinking and risk causing similar tragedies," Mr Houston said.
