One dead after Boxing Day crash on East Coast stretch of SH35

One person has died after a single-car crash on the East Coast’s State Highway 35.

Emergency services were called to the crash about three kilometres west of Lottin Point Rd, near the Tairāwhiti and Bay of Plenty border, at 11.15am.

“One person was unresponsive when located by emergency services and tragically was unable to be revived,” a police statement said.

Police said one lane of the road remained closed near the crash scene as of 3.25pm.

“Motorists driving between Hicks Bay and Cape Runaway are asked to drive with caution in this area and follow the directions of traffic management.”

According to the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) journey planner, stop/go traffic management remained in place on SH35 Potaka, west of Lottin Point Rd, as of 3pm today.

NZTA advised motorists to take extra care.

A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said St John sent one first response vehicle and one ambulance to the scene.

It is the third death on New Zealand roads since the beginning of the Christmas road toll period.

One person died after a crash involving a car and a motorbike in Parkvale, Tauranga, about 8.20pm on Christmas Eve.

Another person died after a serious crash in Wharehine, near Auckland, just after 10pm on Christmas Eve.