Three people have died following crashes on the roads during the holiday period.
Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers
This afternoon, police confirmed one person died following a crash involving a car and a truck on SH1/Taieri Plains Highway, Waihola, in Otago.
The driver of the car died at the scene.
The crash was reported to police at about 9.15am and the road was reopened by about 7.30pm.
Another person died following a crash involving a motorcycle at the intersection of Broadley Downs and Gordonton Road, Gordonton, in Waikato.
The motorcyclist died at the scene.
The crash was reported to police just after 9.20am.
Earlier today two young people were seriously injured and another moderately injured in a crash in Goodwood Heights in Auckland's Counties Manukau. Police said they failed to stop when signalled to pull over.
In a statement, police said an officer spotted what they believe to be a stolen blue Mazda Atenza car, just before 11.15am
"The officer, using lights and siren, signalled for the car to stop, however it failed to do so and left the area. The officer did not pursue the car," the statement said.
Shortly afterward the officer found the car crashed into a parked vehicle near the intersection of Everglade Drive and Ransom Smyth Drive.
Police believe another young person involved left the scene before police arrived, and an investigation has begun.
They want to hear from anyone who saw the crash, or saw a blue Mazda Atenza in Goodwood Heights on Christmas morning.
Last night, one person died in a two-car crash which injured five people south of Taupō.