Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin
A person has died following a two-vehicle crash in Carterton this afternoon, bringing the Waitangi Day road toll to five.
The crash in Clareville was reported around 4.10pm and the victim died on route to hospital.
One person was transported to Wellington Hospital with serious injuries, and two people were transported to Masterton Hospital with moderate injuries, police said this evening.
The Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination. State Highway 2 has been reopened.
Earlier a motorcyclist was killed on State Highway 50, Central Hawke's Bay about 2.15pm.
Diversions were in place at Ashcott Rd and Ongaonga for several hours.
Three people also died in two separate crashes on State Highway 4 in the central North Island this morning.
One person died in the first crash just before 11.30am near Taumarunui.
A police spokesperson said emergency services were at the scene of the crash on State Highway 4, at Manunui.
Shortly after midday Waka Kotahi advised that SH4 had been closed.
The second fatal crash occurred on SH4 at Raetihi about midday.
Two people died and two others were injured, police said.
That section of the road was also closed with diversions in place.
The serious crash unit has been advised of all three crashes.