The road toll is at its lowest in more than 30 years - and high fuel prices are partly responsible.

Police investigating a fatal crash are trying to figure out why a car went out of control on a straight stretch of road.

Far North fire victim Hugh David Aarons yelled for help as his Kaitaia flat burned and neighbours frantically tried to break down his door to get him out.

Legislation designed to crack down on high-risk drivers has been passed by Parliament which will raise the minimum driving age to 16, lower the youth drink drive limit, and double the maximum sentence for dangerous driving causing death.