Easter road toll: 3 dead, including 2 motorcyclists, as police warn against unsafe driving

Three people – including two motorcyclists – died on the roads over Easter weekend, prompting a call from police for people to make smarter choices.

The road toll is one fewer than last year’s and four fewer than Easter 2024’s seven deaths.

Director of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally said every death that occurred on the roads was “one too many”.

“We simply need people to make better choices.

“Wear a seatbelt, put the phone down, and do not drive if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol.

“Signposted speed limits are there for a reason, and we expect every road user to follow them. It is simple.”

The fatal crashes over the Easter holiday period comprised two in Northland and another in the South Island.

A two-vehicle collision in Tasman on April 4 killed one person and injured another.

In Kaitāia, a single-vehicle accident killed the driver after the vehicle hit a tree on April 4.

The following day, a motorbike rider died at the scene of a crash on State Highway 1 near Waipu Gorge Rd.

Two of the three dead were riding motorcycles, said Greally.

Police would continue to target unsafe driving following the holiday period and would make no apology for taking action against those who “are making poor decisions”, said Greally.

“Drivers should not expect to be issued a warning.”

Police were not celebrating the drop in the road toll, as “lots of work is left to do”, said Greally.

“We want everybody to be able to reach their destination safely, no matter what time of the year.”

Seven people died on the roads during Easter in 2024, and four in 2025, according to Ministry of Transport data.