Fatal crash shuts SH12 in Kaipara, Northland; one dead

SH12 at Ruawai is closed from Simpson Rd to Robertson Rd after a fatal crash. Photo / Google maps

A person is dead after a serious crash in Northland.

The single-vehicle crash on State Highway 12 was reported just after 2pm.

NZTA Northland reported the road was closed at Ruawai, Kaipara at 2.34pm.

In an update at 5.20, NZTA said SH12 has now reopened.

FINAL UPDATE 5:20PM
SH12 is now fully OPEN through Ruawai following a serious crash. https://t.co/LBZ112JVhN

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) April 18, 2025

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said two fire trucks responded at 2.21pm.

Staff assisted police and ambulance and have left the scene, the spokesperson said.

Hato Hone St John said it responded with two ambulances.

“Our crews were not required for transportation. Please refer to police for further information.”

Jaime Lyth is a multimedia journalist for the New Zealand Herald, focusing on crime and breaking news. Lyth began working under the NZ Herald masthead in 2021 as a reporter for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei.