A Katikati teenager has appeared in Tauranga District Court charged with the manslaughter of his 16-year-old stepbrother, who was killed in a fatal crash at Tahawai on Labour Day.

Colt Arthur Tupaea John Murcott, 18, of Katikati, is charged with manslaughter, two counts of reckless driving causing injury and causing injury while driving with excess blood alcohol. He is also charged with failing to stop and ascertain injury.

The Ford Laser crashed into a tree on Hikurangi Road.

Katikati College student Ricky Pettigrew died when the Ford Laser he was travelling in with three other teenagers crashed into a tree on the rural Hikurangi Road about 1am on October 28, 2013.

Two other 16-year-olds from Katikati were injured in the crash. Both were taken to Tauranga Hospital and later discharged.

Police allege Colt Murcott was driving the car at the time and lost control coming down the rural road. After the crash police said the driver fled the scene and was found about five hours later, at 6am, on State Highway 2, north of the crash.

The injury charges relate to the other two 16-year-olds in the vehicle. One suffered a broken verterbrae.

Murcott made his first appearance before the Tauranga District Court Registrar today where he was remanded on bail. His bail conditions include that he live where directed, he does not drive, drink alcohol or consume or possess non-prescription drugs.

Because of the seriousness of the charges, the next appearance is before the High Court in Rotorua on February 13. He is yet to enter a plea on the charges.