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A bus crash that closed a main arterial route north of Auckland was one of five serious crashes that caused traffic chaos in the region tonight.
Police urged motorists to expect delays and drive to the wet weather conditions by turning on lights and slowing down.
The bus crash, which happened about 4.20pm on Whangaparaoa Rd, east of Zita Road in Manly, blocked both lanes.
Traffic was backed up with motorists unable to get into Gulf Harbour.
"Traffic is heavy from Silverdale but is moving," Beth Bates of the Waitemata police said.
"Extensive traffic delays are expected and police advise motorists to avoid travelling in this area if possible."
No one on board the bus is thought to be injured and a heavy-haulage truck was on site, working to remove the bus.
Meanwhile, a crash involving five cars occurred about 35km south, southbound the Northern Motorway near Esmonde Rd.
And just after 4.30pm, an elderly man crashed on Atkinson Road in Titirangi.
Police said it appeared he had veered off the road and rolled down a bank.
He was taken to hospital with head and leg injuries. The man was the sole occupant of the car.
Just before 5pm, two women and a man were critically injured when the car they were in left Leigh Rd in Matakana.
Both the Westpac Rescue Chopper and a Northland Rescue Chopper were at the scene, preparing to fly the trio to hospital.
Police said no details were available about the ages or relationship of the injured.
At 5.51 pm, police were called to Te Atatu Road in Te Atatu South, where a car driven by a young woman had gone into a power pole.
She suffered moderate injuries and was been taken by ambulance to hospital.
Senior Sergeant James Hall of Waitemata Police said: "This has been an extremely busy afternoon for police. Though we're not able to talk about the possible causes of any of the major crashes at the moment, this afternoon's events are an awful reminder to all of us of the need to take extra care on our roads.
"Today's rain has led to traffic congestion and a change in roading conditions, and we ask anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car to keep that in mind, especially if you're heading away for the holiday weekend."
The NZ Transport Agency urged motorists to take "extreme care" while driving home tonight.
"With today's wet weather, motorists are being asked to slow down, drive to the conditions, put their lights on and be patient as there will be delays with the crashes and weather conditions."
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