Waipu crash leaves Northland couple’s lives shattered, driver sentenced

A couple dedicated to serving the vulnerable had their lives shattered on what was meant to be the start of a joyful family holiday. As husband and wife Izzak and Briarley Birch travelled to Auckland, careless driver Renee Barnes veered into the southbound lane. Barnes slammed head-on into the couple, flipping their vehicle 180 degrees into the air and injuring seven people.

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