Police are in shock that motorists continue to ignore basic road safety rules.

It comes as four people have already died on the roads this Waitangi weekend.

Superintendent Steve Greally said that's four too many.

"That's a life, it's not just a number - it's a personality, it's somebody that participates in a family, has friends and it affects so many people."

Superintendent Greally wants people to follow simple rules, like driving to the conditions, not drinking and driving and wearing seat belts.

"There are basic things and it's amazing that it's still just not getting through to some people, they're either too ignorant to understand or they are too arrogant to care."

"It's an incredibly sad and frustrating start to the long weekend," said Superintendent, Steve Greally, National Road Policing Manager.

Superintendent Greally said people must make sure they drive to the weather conditions, "if not for yourself, then do it for those who love you and want you to be safe, and for the others who share the road with you."

"Making smart decisions on the road is done by following the basic road safety rules."

He said "Most drivers do a great job, and we congratulate them for making sound decisions. It's the mistakes and poor judgement of the risk takers who put the lives of the innocent in danger."