One person died, eight were seriously injured, and 30 suffered minor injuries.
NZTA said no improvements at the intersection are currently funded, but it is being monitored.
Funding for new safety improvements was limited in the 2024–27 National Land Transport Programme, a spokesperson said.
“We understand the concerns raised about safety at this location.”
As the road controlling authority for about 11,000km of state highway, NZTA prioritises investment based on risk, crash history and where improvements will deliver the greatest safety benefits nationally.
“This means not every high‑risk location can be addressed immediately.”
Resident Erica Wells called the lack of action “abysmal”.
She said a turning lane off the state highway and high crash area road signs were needed.
“At the very least, double yellow lines to stop people overtaking.
“How many crashes do there have to be before something is done?
“What does it take to be classified as a death trap - because that’s what that highway is.”
Wells, who lives nearby, said there had also been “a number of other accidents and near misses” at the intersection.
Nothing had changed since the Northern Advocate last reported on the issue in September 2024, she said.
“You have to slow the traffic down behind you going at 100km ... people behind overtake and cross the centre line on a blind corner on a hill.”
NZTA data shows crashes have a range of contributing factors, including driver error and impairment.
Alcohol and drugs were factors in six of the crashes in the past five years, failure to give way or stop in five crashes, and incorrect lanes and road position in nine crashes.
Poor handling, judgement, and observation were factors in 18 crashes.
Over the years, the Northern Advocate has reported several crashes at the site including a two-vehicle crash in June 2025 where two people sustained serious injuries.
In August 2024, emergency services also attended a crash that injured three people after two vehicles collided.
In 2023 a motorist was critically injured in a crash involving two vehicles at the intersection.
NZTA classifies high-crash areas on highways using historical crash data, risk assessment modelling and infrastructure safety ratings.
High-crash areas are typically defined by high concentrations of death and serious injury incidents and high-risk infrastructure features.
Far North District Council corporate services group manager Charlie Billington said the council worked closely with NZTA on safety matters, where local roads connect with the state highway.
“At this stage, the council does not have any funded projects specifically targeting this intersection.
“Any physical changes or safety upgrades at the intersection would need to be assessed and approved by NZTA as the controlling authority.”
Jenny Ling is a senior journalist at the Northern Advocate. She has a special interest in covering human interest stories, along with finance, roading, and social issues.
