The man who died in a motorcycle crash near Hira on Monday was part of a group of Hells Angels members riding from Nelson to Picton.
Social media posts say the rider was a prospect from the South Auckland Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the fatal crash that occurred on State Highway 6 on Monday morning.
The crash happened at about 10.35am on Monday, about 500 metres north of the Collins Valley rest area, northeast of Nelson city, and involved a motorcycle and a truck.
The rider died at the scene.
Tasman Road policing manager Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews said it appeared from the initial investigation that the motorcycle hit a truck that was driving in the opposite direction from Blenheim to Nelson.
“There was a group of bikers who left Nelson heading towards the Picton ferry. It is believed the deceased may have been part of that group – but we’re still making inquiries to ascertain whether he was with that group or not.”
Andrews said if anyone had information or dash-cam footage of the group while they were on the road, they should get in touch with police.
Police are urging anyone who has not yet spoken to police to contact 105 and quote event number P043150770.
The road was closed for several hours on Monday, with about 100 vehicles backed up in the eastbound lane at about noon.
Several drivers caught in the queue said they were overtaken by a group of motorcyclists prior to the crash.
A group, including several Hells Angels gang members, were seen consoling each other near the scene of the crash.
Patched members of the gang were seen riding through Havelock heading towards Picton about midday.
Hells Angels members were seen in Nelson at the weekend. Andrews said he did not know what the gang was doing in Nelson.
