Man who died in Wellington crash remembered as always having a positive outlook

Police have named the man that died earlier this month following a crash on State Highway 1 in Wellington as Gregory David Diggins, 62, from Lower Hutt.

Traffic north of Wellington ground to a standstill for hours on 19 June after the serious crash, with some motorists abandoning their vehicles and crossing the highway or walking along it on foot.

The southbound lanes were closed from about 5pm-11pm.

In a statement on Wednesday, police said they extended condolences to Diggins' family and friends and that inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing.

Pōneke Football Club posted a tribute to Diggins on their Facebook page following his death.

"Greg had time for everyone and always had a positive outlook. He was the kind of person every club hopes to have, relies on, and will never forget," it said.

"For decades, through every single high and low, he never wavered, never folded, and never missed a game. Greg wasn't just a Pōneke supporter, Greg WAS Pōneke."