The body of a sailor who died in a motorcycle crash in Rarotonga on Friday night will be brought back to New Zealand next week.
William Paratini Delamere, 22, had been serving on the navy's offshore patrol vessel, HMNZS Otago, which has been operating in the Pacific.
The Defence Force says the accident happened Friday night (New Zealand time) close to where the vessel is berthed.
Commander of the Otago David McEwan says the defence force is assisting local police with their investigation.
Governor-General, Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae, has paid tribute to the sailor, who he met earlier in the month while travelling to Tokelau.
He says Mr Delamare's death is a tragic loss, and will be felt deeply in the tight-knit and hard working Otago team.
Police are investigating the accident. No one else was injured.
