File photo. Photo: RNZ / Patrice Allen
At least two people are critically injured in separate crashes on North Island highways.
It follows other crashes earlier on Saturday that affected Auckland's motorway network.
Police said the Pacific Coast Highway near Whakatāne has been blocked following a serious crash around 3.20pm.
"Two vehicles collided on the highway, also known as Ohope Road, between Cliff and Brown roads.
"Bay of Plenty police are warning motorists heading to or from Ohope to delay travel if possible."
Police said initial indications suggested one person was critically injured while another was seriously injured.
Others involved in the incident had moderate to minor injuries.
"The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and the road is expected to be closed for some time."
Earlier, police said a serious crash in the Coromandel happened just prior to midday between Timata Road and Woody Hill Road near Pukepoto.
It brought down a power pole and powerlines were on the road.
Police said a person had to be cut from the vehicle and has critical injuries. Another has serious injuries.
The highway would be remain closed for sometime while an investigation was underway.
Other parts of State Highway 25 were already closed as a result of the weather.
Waka Kotahi said SH1 northbound in Auckland was clear and two lanes were open after the crash near the Drury off-ramp.
It was still warning motorists to expect delays in the area.
The Auckland Harbour Bridge was blocked by a crash in the southbound lanes just before the bridge earlier this afternoon, but this had now been cleared.
Waka Kotahi said congestion had eased around the scene.