A tragic weekend on the roads which included the death of four motorcyclists yesterday has continued with a fatal car crash early this morning.
A top road safety cop has urged motorists to take care, saying that "too many people have lost family members and loved ones this weekend already".
One person died in a car crash near Okere Falls in Rotorua this morning, bringing the road toll up to at least six deaths since midday yesterday.
Two cars crashed on State Highway 33 shortly after 7am, killing one occupant and seriously injuring another.
Police have advised motorists to avoid the area as the road is closed with cordons in place on State High 33 and Allport Rd.
It has been a horrific weekend for the country's road toll after emergency services rushed to three separate motorcyclist crashes yesterday which killed four people.
National Manager Road Policing Superintendent Steve Greally said all three crashes were being investigated by the serious crash unit and it was too early to make any comment on how or why the crashes occurred.
"However, with variable weather conditions across New Zealand today, our plea to all road users is to pay attention and make safe decisions.
"All road users need to be in a position to react quickly and safely if someone makes a mistake in front of you.
"We need motorcycle riders not to take risks."
Going too fast for the conditions or attempting unsafe passing manoeuvres could have tragic consequences – both for riders and those sharing the road with them, he said.
"And other motorists also have a part to play – we know motorbikes can be hard to see, so all drivers should be looking twice at intersections and before changing lanes.
"Too many people have lost family members and loved ones this weekend already.
"Regardless of whether you're on a motorbike or in a car, if you're out on the road today, please look out for each other so no more lives are lost unnecessarily."
The first of the string of fatal motorcycle crashes yesterday occurred about 12.45pm in Southland; where two motorcyclists were killed in Isla Bank, northwest of Invercargill.
A third rider suffered critical injuries in the same crash - which involved three motorcycles. It is understood they were taking part in a fundraising ride.
Just over two hours later emergency crews in Auckland were called to a crash on Henderson Valley Rd after reports a motorcyclist had crashed into a ditch.
Police soon confirmed the rider died at the scene.
Shortly after 4pm, another motorcyclist lost their life in a crash on the West Coast.
Also yesterday, a young woman died in a car crash in Christchurch and three men were taken to hospital for treatment.