A Whangarei motorcyclist is in a serious condition after a collision with a car on State Highway 1 near Waipu.
A medical team in the Intensive Care Unit at Whangarei Hospital were preparing to have the seriously injured man airlifted to Auckland late yesterday.
Emergency services were called to the intersection of State Highway 1 with Shoemaker Rd near Waipu about 10.40pm.
Waipu St John ambulance officers along with volunteers from the fire brigade were quickly on the scene and worked to stabilise the motorcycle rider.
Northland police serious crash investigator Senior Constable Jim Hawthorn said the motorcyclist on a Harley Davidson was heading south with his headlight on when he collided with a car crossing the state highway.
The intersection is controlled by give way signs.
The motorbike collided with the Nissan Sentra car in the middle of the passenger's side, causing the side of the car to be pushed in.
Mr Hawthorn described it as a "big impact".
The driver and sole occupant of the car was not injured. It's believed he was a Waipu local.
Northland's rescue helicopter landed in a nearby paddock and flew the injured man to Whangarei Hospital. After an initial survey of the crash scene Mr Hawthorn said skid marks indicated the motorcyclist had applied the brakes, locking the bike up prior to impact.
He said investigations were continuing and it was likely charges would be laid.
Northland's road toll is now 14 - double the region's record low of seven fatalities in 2011.
- By Kristin Edge of The Northern Advocate
