Driver Rescued from Crashed Car Hanging in Ponga Trees in Bay of Plenty

Published on July 15, 2025

A 22-year-old driver in the Bay of Plenty narrowly escaped serious injury after his car became caught in ponga trees following a crash that sent it over a bank and into a stream. The incident, which occurred on Poripori Rd in Lower Kaimai, was a dramatic reminder of how nature can sometimes act as a lifesaver in moments of danger.

The crash happened around 1:20 pm, when the driver attempted to overtake a vehicle on a short, straight stretch of road leading down toward State Highway 29. According to a police officer at the scene, the driver had picked up too much speed and overcorrected, causing the car to veer off the road and plunge over a bank.

Emergency services were called to the scene, where they found the vehicle caught in the branches of ponga trees, approximately 3 meters above the Ngutukakariki Stream. The car was hanging precariously, and the driver was trapped inside.

Two members of the public who arrived first on the scene helped reassure the driver that help was on the way. After stabilizing the vehicle, rescuers abseiled down the bank and freed the man, who had been trapped for about 30 minutes. Fortunately, the driver was unharmed and did not require hospitalization.

Fire and Emergency NZ's northern communications centre shift manager, Michael Anderson, confirmed that crews from Greerton and Tauranga fire stations were dispatched to the scene. He noted that the location was not directly on State Highway 29 but near it, and that the fire crews were working to extricate the driver.

Hato Hone St John also responded to the crash, sending an ambulance and a rapid response vehicle. One patient was assessed and treated at the scene.

The police officer at the scene described the incident as a fortunate one, emphasizing that the presence of the ponga trees likely prevented the car from plunging into the stream below. A police investigation into the crash is ongoing.

This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of road safety and the importance of cautious driving, especially on roads with sharp turns and limited visibility. It also shows how quick thinking and the help of bystanders can make a critical difference in emergency situations.

As the investigation continues, local authorities are reminding drivers to be vigilant, especially on rural roads where the terrain can change rapidly and unexpectedly.