A person died in a crash in Te Heuheu St in Taupō last night. Image / Google Maps

Two dead in separate crashes as police issue warning for long weekend travel

Author: NZ Herald ,
Publish Date: Sat, 30 May 2026, 9:06am

A person is dead and two others have been critically injured after a two-vehicle crash in Taupō.

The person died at the scene of the crash, which happened on Te Heuheu St just before 6.30pm last night, police said.

The road remains closed while police examine the scene this morning.

People should avoid the area.

A person also died after a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Law Rd in Allanton, 17km south of Dunedin.

A person died in a crash at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Law Rd in Allanton, south of Dunedin, last night. Image / Google Maps

Two others received minor injuries in the 5.40pm crash and the road remained closed this morning, with diversions in place, police said.

A person has also been hurt in a single-vehicle crash on Coaltrack Rd in Greendale, southeast of Christchurch, this morning.

Police were alerted to the crash about 7.30am.

“One person is injured and will be airlifted for medical treatment. The road is not blocked.”

Emergency services plea: Do your part

Last night’s deaths come after police, Fire and Emergency NZ and Hato Hone St John sounded a joint warning to Kiwis to take care on the roads this King’s Birthday long weekend.

Director of road policing Superintendent Steve Greally said police would be focused on the four main causes of death and serious injury on the roads: restraints, impairment, distractions and speed. The public could expect to face consequences if they put lives at risk.

“We all share a responsibility to ensure our roads are safe and collectively we will do our part, but ultimately drivers and riders need to do theirs.

“We’ve seen too many lives lost so far this year due to people driving too fast for the conditions, driving while impaired (by alcohol, drugs, or fatigue), driving while distracted when using a mobile phone or not being properly restrained.”