Horror Weekend on New Zealand Roads with 6 Deaths from Separate Accidents across the Country

2026-03-22 - 20:04

Posted 8:30am Mon 23 March 2026. Source: NZ Police. Six people have died in six separate crashes across the country over a 24 hour period, marking a horror weekend on New Zealand’s roads. Police confirmed a person has died following a single-vehicle crash on Galatea Rd in Waiohau in the Bay of Plenty Sunday afternoon. “Police were called to the scene about 5.15pm, and the sole occupant was found deceased,” police said. “The road closed while the Serious Crash Unit examined the scene and Diversions were put in place for motorists.” One person also died following a single-vehicle crash on State Highway 43 in Stratford knowm as Forgotten World Highway, on Sunday morning. Emergency services were called to the scene about 11.30am. Early this morning, one person died following a two-vehicle crash on Auckland’s southern motorway near Onehunga. Emergency services were called to the scene about 6.15am. Hato Hone St John said it sent three ambulances and a rapid response unit after being alerted to the crash shortly after. Two patients were taken to Auckland City Hospital, one in a serious condition and another in a moderate condition, after they were assessed and treated at the scene, St John said. Police confirmed yesterday afternoon that one person was killed in the crash and inquiries into the circumstances of the crash were ongoing, police said.In Southland, two people died following two separate crashes overnight. Southland Area Commander, Inspector Mike Bowman, said police signalled for a vehicle to stop on Kelvin St, shortly before 3am. “The driver failed to stop and the vehicle fled. It was not pursued,” Bowman said. A short time later, the vehicle was found crashed at the intersection of Leet and Kelvin Streets. “Sadly, one person was pronounced deceased at the scene,” Bowman said. Hato Hone St John responded with two ambulances. Crews assessed four people, all in a moderate condition. Three people were treated at the scene, while the fourth was taken to Southland Hospital. In a separate incident, one person died following a single-vehicle crash on the rural road, Winding Creek Rd, north of Gore, at about 12.40am on Sunday. Police confirmed one other person sustained moderate injuries and was seen by ambulance services. Hato Hone St John sent a first response unit, an ambulance, a rapid response unit and a helicopter to the scene. One person was airlifted to Dunedin Hospital in a serious condition. St John referred inquiries to police for further information on the crash. One person died following a single-vehicle crash on Hamilton Saturday night. The incident occurred on Howden Rd in the suburb of Temple View was reported to emergency services at around 8.40pm. Police said one person died at the scene, “despite the efforts of emergency personnel”. The serious crash unit has been notified and is looking into the circumstances of the crash. Police are also seeking CCTV and witnesses to the crash on Leet St. “The matter will also be referred to the IPCA, as is standard procedure in cases like this,” he said. If anyone has witnessed the crash, or holds CCTV in the areas of Wellesley Avenue, Avenal Street or Kelvin Street, they are advised to contact the New Zealand police. “Reports can be made online on 105 using the reference number: 260322/6911.” “Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111”