'Heartbreaking loss': Woman killed in motorbike crash remembered

A “nurturing and gentle” woman who died in a motorcycle crash in Carterton did so while doing something she held dear to her heart. 

Izy Todd had taken part in a worldwide campaign to offer free home Bible studies to people in her community on September 19. Later that day, she and her husband Mark Todd decided to go for a lunch date. 

The bike they were riding crashed on Gladstone Rd. 

Izy, who was on the back of the bike, died at the scene. 

Her son Shane Todd said his mother was a “larger than life” personality. 

“A true force of nature, making an impact wherever she went. She had a big heart and lots of love to give. 

“Mum loved going for rides with Dad, so she passed away doing something that she enjoyed doing.” 

The couple went on many rides across the country, he said. 

Mark was still recovering in hospital from serious injuries after the incident, Shane told the Herald. 

Izy and Mark Todd were involved in a motorcycle crash in Carterton on September 19. Izy died, while Mark was seriously injured. 

A Givealittle page has been set up to support the family as they “navigate this heartbreaking loss”. 

Funds will go towards Mark and his sons to ease financial worries as they “help their father through recovery, spend precious time together and navigate the difficult moments ahead”, the page said. 

A long-time friend and colleague of Izy’s, Braidie Heberley, said she “will always be remembered for her incredible aroha and manaakitanga”. 

They worked together at Ko Te Aroha Children’s Centre, where Izy was the cook. 

“For 17 years, Izy gave her love, care and dedication to our community, feeding and nurturing so many tamariki, kaiako and whānau along the way. 

“Her infectious laugh and warm heart meant that the kitchen at Ko Te Aroha became a place where whānau wanted to be – a place for a kōrero, a cuppa, a laugh and, most importantly, a place where everyone was welcomed with kai.” 

Izy touched many lives and supported families through some of their most vulnerable moments, she said. 

Izy Todd has been remembered as a "true force of nature making an impact wherever she went". 

“She was nurturing. She was gentle. She made sure everyone had a full puku before she thought about herself. And she certainly wasn’t afraid to keep someone in line either… sometimes all it took was one look from Izy, and we knew!” 

Heberley said Izy’s presence will live on in the kitchen, stories shared, kai prepared, and in the memories held by the many tamariki, whānau and kaiako whose lives she touched. 

“Thank you for loving us, feeding us, caring for us and being our Izy.” 

Police earlier said the accident involving a single vehicle happened about 12.50pm on Gladstone Rd, near Tiffin Rd. 

Despite the efforts of emergency crews, one person died at the scene while a second suffered serious injuries. 

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing, police said.