A section of the motorway was closed temporarily by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency following the serious crash.
The southbound lanes had been closed between Redoubt Rd, in Manukau, and Takanini after the crash.
“Due to a crash, the southbound lane is blocked prior to the Alfriston Road overbridge. Please avoid this area and expect delays,” the agency said in a Twitter alert.
This is the first death reported on New Zealand’s roads during Easter. Last year, five people died on the roads.
National Road Policing Centre director Superintendent Steve Greally said while the number was lower than last year’s Easter period police were reminding motorists to not get complacent.
“I’m pleased the majority of drivers have had a happy and safe holiday period and haven’t had their Easter break devastated by that call from a Police officer telling them their loved one has died.
“However, we – alongside our road safety partners - are urging people to not accept that death and serious injury on our roads is inevitable.”
Greally said it was about drivers and road users making simple decisions to keep themselves and others safe.
“It’s really not rocket science – wear your seatbelt, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, remove distractions, and slow down.
“Police will continue to focus on these four behaviours, and, together with our road safety partners will continue to work towards no one being harmed on our roads.”
