Three people lose their lives on the roads over Easter, four fewer than in 2018

A third person has been killed on the roads this Easter holiday period - four ferwer than last year.

This morning one person died in a serious crash on SH35 near Anaura Bay, north of Gisborne.

The crash occurred at about 5.30am between Waiapu Rd and Waiau Rd. Police said nobody else appeared to have been injured in the crash.

Yesterday a person was killed in a two-car crash 4km south of the Awakino Tunnel on State Highway 3, north of New Plymouth, while another person died following a crash near Huntly on Saturday evening.

The Easter weekend road toll started at 4pm Thursday and ended at 6am today. Seven people died during the long weekend last year and two people died during the Easter break in 2017.

The lowest Easter number of road deaths was zero in 2012, while the highest was 21 in 1971.

The lower death toll compared to 2018 is no comfort for those left behind, says Associate Transport Minister Julie Anne Genter.

"My heart breaks for families and loved ones who are grieving, and communities impacted by these road crashes."

With many New Zealanders still travelling over the school holiday period and Anzac Day, Genter is encouraging everyone to stay focused, be patient and drive according to the conditions.

"The school holidays are a time when great family memories should be made ... We want to see everyone arrive home safely from their holiday destinations."

Genter says we know we need to change our thinking about road safety. "On average, one person dies on New Zealand's roads every day and someone else is injured every hour of every day.

"Everyone makes mistakes, but we need to stop these mistakes turning into tragedies."

Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust attended the Awakino crash yesterday, where a person died at 1.20pm, along with St John ambulance, local volunteer fire brigade and police.

A TRHT spokeswoman said two other people had minor injuries.

"Our thoughts are with those involved and their families. Please drive safety and with care if you're returning home after a long weekend away," they wrote on their Facebook page.

The Huntly crash on Saturday occurred on Hakarimata Rd about 8.35pm.

One person died at the scene and the other occupant of the car had minor injuries.

Yesterday evening seven people were injured, including one critically and another seriously, after a serious crash in Central Hawke's Bay.

Emergency services attended the crash at the intersection of Pourerere Rd and River Rd near Waipawa, southwest of Hastings.

Police reported the collision between two vehicles happened about 7pm.