Northland's road death toll has climbed to 20 after a fatal crash claimed another life.
A man, believed to be in his 40s, died and three others suffered moderate injuries after a two-car collision on State Highway 1 at Pamapuria, about 10km south of Kaitaia, at about 3.20pm yesterday. Police, St John ambulance, Kaitaia Fire Brigade and staff from Kaitaia Hospital were at the scene.
The Northland Electricity Rescue Helicopter was dispatched and a landing area readied at the Pamapuria School grounds. State Highway 1 was closed with traffic being diverted via Ruaroa Rd and Takahue Rd.
The deceased was believed to have been the driver of the car that was extensively damaged and ended up on its roof.
The other car, in which three male passengers were travelling, sustained minor damage.