Three fatal crashes

An unlicensed 15-year-old was driving a car that crashed in north Auckland, killing both her and her 25-year-old male passenger. The pair died about 9.45pm on Thursday after the headon crash on the Dairy Flat highway. Another passenger was seriously injured, while the driver of the other vehicle had non-life threatening injuries, police said. Meanwhile, a 51-year-old cyclist died in a collision with a vehicle in the West Auckland suburb of Te Atatu¯ about 8.15pm on Thursday. And a person died after a head-on crash in South Otago yesterday. Emergency services were called to State Highway 1 south of Milton, about 12.30pm. A police spokeswoman said a southbound stock truck and a northbound vehicle collided. Police confirmed a person died at the scene, while others were flown to Dunedin Hospital.

Auckland copes with strike

Traffic on Auckland’s main arterial routes was heavy for a Friday but still lighter than an average week day, despite a rail strike yesterday, transport officials said. Auckland Transport reported the city’s commuter bus fleet was coping well, and there were enough seats for everyone on most services. Trains stopped operating at 2am yesterday for 24 hours. The Rail and Maritime Transport Union called the strike after French-owned train operator Transdev refused to drop plans to introduce driver-only trains.

Lake Taupo toxic

Swimming in Lake Taupo¯ could be off limits this summer if a dangerous algae. Waikato Regional Council scientists have identified phormidium growing inside algae near the lake shore. And experts say it could be here to stay if the recent spate of hot weather continues. The discovery has impacted the Taupo Ironman 70.3 planned for this weekend with the swimming leg dropped from the event and it is now a run-bike-run event to prevent athletes coming into contact with the material. Signs went up yesterday telling holidaymakers and locals to stay out of the lake and to keep their dogs out too.