The sole survivor of a horrific car crash that killed five Timaru teenagers has today pleaded guilty to five charges of dangerous driving causing death.

Javarney Wayne Drummond, 15; Niko William Hill, 15; Jack "Jacko" Wallace, 16; Joseff "Joey" McCarthy, 16; and Andrew Goodger, 15, were all killed when the Nissan Bluebird they were travelling in smashed into a concrete power pole on August 6 last year.

The impact was so severe, it sliced the car in half.

Only the driver, 19-year-old Tyreese Fleming, who was on a restricted licence, survived the smash.

The wreckage of the car which police allowed the media to view. Photo / George Heard

Fleming was taken to Timaru Hospital with moderate injuries and posted a message on social media the next day to let people know he was alive.

He was discharged from hospital a week after the crash.

Fleming was later charged with five counts of manslaughter and made a brief appearance at Timaru District Court on December 8 last year.

This morning, he appeared at the High Court at Timaru for a case review hearing and entered guilty pleas through his lawyer Thomas Nation to the reduced charges of dangerous driving causing death.

Several members of families left distraught by the crash witnessed proceedings from the public gallery.

They listened in silence as the summary of facts was read aloud by Crown prosecutor Andrew McRae.

The crash, which was one of the worst seen on South Island roads in decades, devastated the Timaru community.

"Police would like to acknowledge the families of the young men," Aoraki Area Commander Inspector David Gaskin said after charges were laid.

"It has been an incredibly difficult time as they come to terms with the loss of their loved ones who died in such terrible circumstances.

"Timaru is a small community and a number of people have been impacted by this tragedy."

Fleming was remanded on bail for sentencing on June 29.