There have been at least six serious crashes today on New Zealand roads.
File image. Photo: 123rf.com
The first crash took place early this morning, when police were called to Nikau Road, west of Pahiatua, just before 5am.
One person died and another suffered serious injuries in the two-car crash.
Another crash this morning, this time on Kahikatea Flat Road in Dairy Flat, north of Auckland, resulted in one person dying.
Two people were injured in a crash on State highway 75 near Tai Tapu on the outskirts of Christchurch.
St John Ambulance was called to the crash near the intersection of Ahuriri Road and the Christchurch Akaroa Road shortly before 7.30am.
One person had serious injuries and another had moderate injuries - both were taken to Christchurch Hospital.
Then this afternoon, another crash near Christchurch - three people were injured after a three-car crash on State Highway 73 in West Melton.
Police were called to the crash near the intersection of the highway and Sandy Knolls Road around 2.45pm.
Three people were injured, one seriously.
Just before 3pm, a crash between a motorcyclist and a car happened on State Highway 25 near School of Miners Lane in Kuaotunu in the Coromandel.
One person was critically injured. A helicopter and the Serious Crash Unit were dispatched.
Emergency services also responded to a serious crash between a truck and a car on State Highway 1 in Wellsford about 5.10pm.
Closures were being put in place on State Highway 1, State Highway 16, and at Kaipara Flats Road.
One person was seriously injured and three were in a moderate condition.
Motorists were asked to avoid the area.
So far, the holiday road toll stands at eight, already double the official holiday road toll from last year.