‘People are going to be hurting’: High school student killed in North Canterbury crash

Sunday, 14 June 2026

A Rangiora High School student has died in a single-vehicle crash north of Christchurch.

Three others are injured, including one who was critically hurt.

The crash happened about 10.25am, on Loburn Whiterock Rd, near the intersection of Barkers Rd, in the Waimakariri district on Saturday.

Rangiora High School principal Bruce Kearney said on Sunday, the police had told the school the person who had died was “a student attached to the school”.

Police have not released the name of the person.

Kearney said the school would have support in place for students on Monday including counsellors on site.

“People are going to be hurting and families are going to need support.”

The owner of the property where the crashed happened declined to comment.

Senior Sergeant Chris Wakelin confirmed on Saturday, one person died at the scene and another was critically hurt.

The two other occupants received moderate injuries.

Several bunches of flowers had been placed on a tree at the scene by Sunday morning.

The road was closed on Saturday as the Serious Crash Unit carried out a scene examination.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon said he was “deeply saddened”.

“My thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with the families. No words can ease the pain of such a loss, and our community mourns alongside you,” he posted to Facebook.

“This is a devastating moment for our community – especially the school community.

“Rangiora is a close-knit place, and when something like this happens, the hurt is felt far and wide especially across the school - by students, staff, families, and friends. Please know that you are not alone. We stand together in grief and support of one another.”