Easter toll at three after Gisborne crash

WELLINGTON: A third person has been killed on the roads this Easter holiday period — four fewer than last year.

Yesterday morning, one person died in a serious crash on State Highway 35 near Anaura Bay, north of Gisborne.

The crash happened about 5.30am between Waiapu Rd and Waiau Rd. Police said nobody else appeared to have been injured in the crash.

On Monday, a person was killed in a twocar crash 4km south of the Awakino Tunnel on State Highway 3, north of New Plymouth, and another person died following a crash near Huntly on Saturday evening.

The Easter road toll period started at 4pm Thursday and ended at 6am today. Seven people died during the long weekend last year and two people died during the Easter break in 2017.

The lowest Easter number of road deaths was zero in 2012, while the highest was 21 in 1971.

The lower death toll compared to 2018 was no comfort for those left behind, Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter said.

‘‘My heart breaks for families and loved ones who are grieving, and communities impacted by these road crashes.’’

Many New Zealanders were still travelling over the school holiday period and Anzac Day, and Ms Genter encouraged everyone to stay focused, be patient and drive according to the conditions.

‘‘The school holidays are a time when great family memories should be made. We want to see everyone arrive home safely from their holiday destinations.’’

Ms Genter said New Zealanders knew they needed to change their thinking about road safety.

‘‘On average, one person dies on New Zealand’s roads every day and someone else is injured every hour of every day.

‘‘Everyone makes mistakes, but we need to stop these mistakes turning into tragedies.’’

Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust attended the Awakino crash on Monday, when a person died at 1.20pm. St John ambulance, local volunteer fire brigade and police also attended.

A TRHT spokeswoman said two other people had minor injuries.

The Huntly crash on Saturday occurred in Hakarimata Rd about 8.35pm.

One person died at the scene and the other occupant of the car had minor injuries.

On Monday evening, seven people were injured, including one critically and another seriously, after a serious crash in Central Hawke’s Bay.

Emergency services attended the crash at the intersection of Pourerere Rd and River Rd, near Waipawa, southwest of Hastings.

Police reported the collision between two vehicles happened about 7pm.