Officers were called to Ngapipito Rd about 11.10pm yesterday following reports of a serious incident. One person was found dead at the scene.
Police said they were in the early stages of the investigation, but believed two people were knocked off their dirt bikes: one on Ngapipito Rd, south of Kaikohe and the other on Tana Rd, west of Moerewa.
The second rider was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Investigations were under way.
Ngapipito Rd was closed between Mangakahia Rd (SH15) and the intersection of Tana Rd, Moerewa, and expected to remain closed for some time. Motorists were advised to avoid the area.
'No-one really knows'
A community leader urged people to wait for the facts rather than passing on rumours.
Roddy Hapati-Pihema, who represented Kawakawa and Moerewa on the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board, said there had been ongoing trouble with dirt bikes in the area. However, that was the same for many towns across Northland, he said.
"The community is rightfully full of questions about what has happened and how it has happened - but the reality is, right now no-one really knows.
"The best thing people can do is allow the police to do their job, and hopefully get the answers the family needs to get closure.
"We're dealing with real people with real feelings. The last thing we want is for rumour or speculation or hearsay to replace facts."
Anyone with information was asked to contact police through 105 online or by phone, referencing file number 260506/1270.
