Whakatāne District Council Te Urewera general ward councillor Andrew Iles said it was “gut-wrenching news”, not only for the rider’s family but for the bus driver, the children on the bus and everyone involved.
“It’s one of those tragedies you never want to hear about. My deepest sympathies to the rider’s family and to all the whānau involved.”
Rūātoki was one of several communities in eastern Bay of Plenty hit hard by flooding this week.
“There have been so many weather events and so many road closures in our district this week … To weather that storm, and have this happen, is going to have a huge impact on lots of people in our close-knit community,” Iles said.
Uzabus operates several school buses in the Whakatāne district, including in Rūātoki.
Eastern Bay of Plenty fleet operations manager Justin (JJ) Holland-Goodwin said he was waiting to speak to the driver.
“At the moment I have very limited information other than that all the students on board are safe. The driver is safe. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist is deceased.”
Fire and Emergency New Zealand was called at 3.03pm and responded with two fire engines, one from Tāneatua and one from Whakatāne.
“We do have one appliance still at the scene assisting police and ambulance. There was one fatality,” a spokesman earlier said.
A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said it sent an ambulance and rapid response vehicle to the crash, but directed NZME to police for further information.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.