Two dead and serious injuries in multiple crashes in Pukekohe, Canterbury and New Plymouth

Two people have died in a spate of serious crashes across New Zealand tonight, and several others have serious injuries.

One person has died after two vehicles collided shortly after 8pm on Culverden Rd (SH7), about 2km north of the Hurunui Hotel, in the Hurunui District, Canterbury.

Police said another person was taken to Christchurch Hospital with serious injuries.

Diversions are in place around the scene at Long Plantation and Balmoral Station Rds.

The Police Serious Crash Unit is in attendance.

And a motorcyclist has died after a crash with a ute in Pukekohe, Auckland, about 8.20pm.

The crash was on Helvetia Rd, which is closed. Diversions are in place at Gun Club and Birdwood Rds.

The road will be closed for a number of hours while the Serious Crash Unit examine the scene, police said.

Two people have minor injuries after a car collided with a lamp post in the South Auckland suburb of Red Hill.

The crash was at 9.50pm on Fairdale Ave.

In the New Plymouth suburb of Whalers Gate, a crash between a van and ute has left one person with serious injuries.

The crash happened about 9.10pm on Barrett Rd. It is believed one of the vehicles was parked.

Police, St John Ambulance and the Fire Service are at the crash scene.

Diversions are in place at Karamea St, Whalers Gate.