A coroner's inquest into the death of Tauranga man Dennis Michael Pedersen has found the driver who caused the crash only had one month's driving experience.

Dennis, also known as Deno, was killed in a crash on the Lindis Pass on State Highway 8 on November 26, 2012.

Dennis Michael Pedersen, also known as Deno, was killed in a crash on the Lindis Pass.

The 54-year-old member of the Filthy Few Motorcycle Club, and owner of the Curiosity business in Wharf Street, was a well-known member of Tauranga's bike riding community.

Deno also played a big part in organising Tauranga's annual Metal Mania event, which draws large crowds each year.

Deno was riding as part of a group returning from the Burt Munro Challenge in Invercargill when he and South Canterbury Road Knight Grant John Roberts, 43, collided with a southbound Nissan near Goodger Road at around 2pm.

The car was being driven by Chinese tourist Kejia Zheng.

Zheng lost control of the vehicle she had rented and crossed into the incorrect side of the road.

Both men died at the scene.

A 26-year-old Timaru woman pillion passenger was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital by the Otago Regional Rescue Helicopter.

A police investigation found the 20-year-old tourist had crossed the centreline and collided with the oncoming motorcyclists.

Police had received a complaint about Zheng's driving earlier in the day but an officer was unable to locate the vehicle.

Even if the vehicle had been located, police were limited in what they could do to stop Zheng from driving due to current legislation.

Coroner Richard McElrea said: 'The motorcycle he (Deno) was riding was in a lawful manner and none of the group were found to be speeding.

'The driver of the car had minimal experience at driving at speeds near 100km/h and no driving experience of any kind in the 10 months to noon November 25, 2012.”

Zheng was charged and convicted on two counts of careless driving causing death and sentenced to two years disqualification from driving and ordered to pay $10,000 emotional harm.

Coroner McElrea added: 'This case has highlighted an urgent need for legislative change to assist police in more effectively dealing with unsafe drivers and to allow the prohibition of driving on the basis of lack of ability.

'There is clear evidence before the court for the urgent need for extension of police powers in this manner.”