The New Zealand Defence Force has named the sailor who died in a crash in Rarotonga.

He was Able Seaman Combat Specialist William Paratini Delamere, aged 22.

Delamere was killed in a motor scooter crash near where his ship HMNZS Otago was docked at Rarotonga early on Friday morning.

The ship has been conducting maritime patrols in the Pacific.

The accident, about 12.45am, happened while the able seaman combat specialist was on shore leave.

It happened close to where the offshore patrol craft was berthed and fellow crew rushed to his aid. They went with him to Rarotonga Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1.30am, according to the Defence Force.

He was pronounced dead just under an hour later.

It is not known what caused the crash, or whether anyone else was involved.

Local police are investigating.

Otago Commander David McEwan said Able Seaman Delamere, known to his friends as Delz, was intelligent, cheeky, quick-witted and ''never shy of getting stuck in and supporting his shipmates''.

''He was a young man with an enormous future and was widely respected.''

Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae paid tribute yesterday.

''Able Seaman Delamere was a member of the crew of HMNZS Otago as it took me and my party to the atolls of Tokelau earlier this month.  They also represented the Royal New Zealand Navy at the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the independence of Samoa, where they participated in an official march past of New Zealand Defence Force personnel.

''He was a member of a tight-knit, hard-working and highly-skilled team and his death will be sorely felt by them all.'' 

Maritime Component Commander Commodore John Martin said: "We are saddened by this loss and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of Able Seaman William Delamere."

"Next of kin have been informed and our priority is to provide comfort and support to the family and shipmates.

"This is a sad day and, on behalf of the entire New Zealand Defence Force, especially the Navy, I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, colleagues and friends of William."

A defence spokeswoman said the family had asked for their privacy to be respected.

- © Fairfax NZ News