KEY POINTS:
The first reported fatal road accident of the year happened just an hour and a half into the new year.
A 33-year-old Levin man died after being hit by a car in Levin about 1.30am.
The man was walking along the middle of State Highway 57, in the town centre, when a northbound vehicle hit him, Sergeant Jeff Lyver said.
Police and ambulance officers worked on the man for about 45 minutes, but he died at the scene.
The 35-year-old driver of the vehicle and her passenger were not injured, Mr Lyver said.
The holiday road toll now stands at 12.
Other fatal accidents during the holiday period occurred at Methven, Taupo, Kumeu, north of Auckland, Morrinsville, northern East Cape, Pukekohe, Gordonton near Hamilton, and Christchurch where three motor cyclists were killed on Saturday.
The road toll for 2008 at 10pm was provisionally 358, 65 fewer than last year and the lowest toll since 1956 when 329 people died.
- NZPA
