Police have named the five family members killed in a crash north of Taupō.
Photo: RNZ / Simon Rogers
They were 44-year-old Peter Rangikataua, 15-year-old Michelle Morgan-Rangikataua, 14-year-old Aroha Morgan-Rangikataua, 12-year-old Kahukura Morgan-Rangikataua of Rotorua and 26-year-old Rangi Rangikataua of Atiamuri.
The survivor, an 11-year-old boy, was taken to hospital but in a serious but stable condition.
The crash near the Kinleith Forest was reported at about 8.20am on Monday.
Three separate crashes that morning left nine people dead. Three people died in a crash near Ashburton and one died in a crash in Auckland.
Assistant commissioner of road policing and prevention Sandra Venables told Checkpoint on Monday it had been a "horrific day".
She said police cannot bring down the road toll alone, and needed everyone's help.
"We just want everyone to drive to the conditions, maintain their focus on the roads, and keep their speeds down, especially if it's a wet day."