This year's road toll so far is nearly on a par with the same period in 2017.
A pedestrian is dead after being hit by a car on State Highway 1 in Levin.
The road has been closed and southbound highway traffic was being diverted via Cambridge St and into Tararua Rd, police said.
SH1 LEVIN - CRASH - 6:15AM
Due to a crash, SH1 is CLOSED between the intersection with Cambridge Street South and Kimberley Road (SH57). Please follow the directions of emergency services on-site.
Levin police Senior Sergeant Sam Gilpin said the pedestrian had been identified, but his name was not being released as next-of-kin were still being notified.
It was not known whether speed was a factor.
"We can't really comment about driving manner at this stage," Gilpin said.
Both lanes of SH1 were closed with diversions in place at Kimberley Rd, SH57 and Tararua Rd.
