One killed after car hits truck transporting house

A person has died after the car they were driving collided with a truck transporting a house today - a day after a coroner's recommendations on a similar incident were released.

Patricia Robertson, 67, died in December 2013 when her car collided with the corner of a house being transported on a truck.

Coroner Chris Davenport published his findings on Ms Robertson's death yesterday, and they included recommendations for more warnings on wide-load convoys.

Today, a person died at the scene of a collision between a car and a truck transporting a house about 2am.

The crash happened on State Highway 10, north of Pakaraka, and police are yet to release any further details.

In his findings on Ms Robertson's death, Coroner Davenport recommended the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) consider lowering the speed limit for wide loads like a house.

"I do not consider travelling at or close to the open road speed limit with a load that extends beyond both fog lines is appropriate."

NZTA was recommended to consider requiring three warning vehicles in front of wide loads that were deemed "an extreme hazard".

Better public education was needed on the meanings of flashing lights accompanying wide-loads, Coroner Davenport said.

The coroner also suggested better public education about the meaning of the flashing lights which accompany wide loads.

The coroner recommended electronic signs that told motorists about what they needed to do when the wide load was approaching.

A pilot vehicle that showed how wide the load was could be an option, Coroner Davenport said.

The maximum size of the loads, hours they can be transported and signage on the wide loads were all things that needed to be considered, he said.

In response, NZTA said a review would be considering warning panels on wide-loads and when houses needed to altered to allow transportation.

The review in response to Coroner Davenport's recommendations was expected to conclude early next year.

"This review is being carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Transport, and includes a thorough examination of the system governing the transport of significantly over-width loads, including rules and associated guidelines. This will include the transport of houses," a statement from NZTA said.

"A discussion document setting out proposals for possible changes to the Rule is likely to be issued for public comment late this year or early in 2016. The document will include those matters reported on by the coroner in the Robertson inquest.

"At this stage of the review process we cannot indicate the likely outcome of any changes to the Rule or to practices relating to over-width vehicles, including piloting. The coroner's recommendations, together with any relevant submissions, will be taken into account.

"While it is not appropriate to speculate on the circumstances which may have contributed to this morning's fatal crash in Northland, which is still being investigated by police, the Transport Agency's thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragedy."