Reports of 220 animals wandering on Northland's highways in the past six months have authorities warning stock owners to ensure fences are maintained to avoid a tragedy.
The NZ Transport Agency is urging Northland rural property owners to ensure their fences are in the best condition to contain their livestock and prevent them wandering on to the region's roads and highways.
There were 220 reports of wandering stock on state highways in Northland over the past six months, NZTA safety and network performance manager Tim Crow said.
The highest number of reports have been on state highways in the Far North district and in rural areas around the wider SH12 Kaikohe, SH1 Mangamuka and SH10 Kawakawa to south of Kerikeri.
Mr Crow said farm animals that wandered on to highways posed a real safety risk.