The pedestrian was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a serious condition.

An independent study found the 80km/h limit prevented 34 crashes in a year.

The road was closed while emergency services worked at the scene but has since reopened.

Police were called around 9.30am.

Motorists have been told to expect delays.

The incident happened on a private road off State Highway 3.

The sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene.

Both victims were 19 years old and from Taupō.

'We're not coping, but we've got to hold it together for the rest of our kids.'

'I was high-sided into the air and landed on the cheese-cutters.'

The two-vehicle crash happened around 6.10pm yesterday.

'Flashbacks of what happened come and go all the time.'

‘How the hell?’, grandmother says after cyclist told her to pay $12,000 in bike repairs.

Locals say the accident involved a girl.

The road is expected to be blocked for the next one to two hours.

According to Google Maps, northbound traffic had backed up almost 9km to Sylvia Park.

The speed limits were lowered almost two years ago.

Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.

The man has pleaded not guilty and will keep his name a secret for now.

Liam Michael Ryan-Morris, 35, was killed when his motorcycle and a truck collided.

Northbound traffic is diverted through School Rd; southbound via Bosher Rd.

News snippets from the Far North.

Two people were critically injured following the two-vehicle crash.

Police advised motorists to avoid the area and expect delays.

And other news briefs from around Tairāwhiti.

Police have named two people killed in a crash near Temuka.

The crash involved two vehicles and occurred about 8.10am, with one death now confirmed.

Traffic diversions are currently in place.

Diversions have ended but motorists could still face delays until congestion eases.