Firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene on steep terrain off Summit Rd, Little Akaloa, on Canterbury's Banks Peninsula at about 1.10pm today. Photo / Akaroa Volunteeer Fire Brigade
By Andrew King
A man has been airlifted to hospital after his car rolled down a bank near Little Akaloa.
Firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene on Summit Rd at about 1.10pm today.
The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has taken him to Christchurch Hospital.
It was incorrectly reported earlier that the victim was a woman.
Meanwhile the NZTA warns motorists to expect black ice in many parts of the South Island overnight with, very cold temperatures expected.
It advised motorists to check the Metservice road snowfall warnings.
However, most warnings were for North Island roads, with a brief period of snow showers possible up to 400m between 9pm and midnight tonight on the SH5 linking Napier to Taupo, which may see 1cm or less settle on the road.
Snow showers are also expected to affect higher parts of the Desert road (SH1) from around midday today until Saturday morning, with 3 to 6cm of snow to accumulate. Further light snow showers are possible until Saturday night.
Showers are also expected to turn to snow above 300m on the Rimutaka Hill Rd (SH2) later today, and should ease tomorrow morning. Between 3pm today and 9am on Saturday, 1 to 3cm of snow could settle on the road at times. Further light snow showers are possible until Saturday evening.
The Metservice severe weather warnings page, however, says snow about the Canterbury High Country has cleared, with the heavy snow warnings lifted for Inland Canterbury and the Mackenzie Basin.
"Motorists are advised to check with both Metservice for updates on weather conditions and our Traffic & Travel website for updates on current road conditions."
Nelson / Marlborough
• SH 60 Richmond to Motueka - Crash - Road now open - Due to a prior crash near the O'Connor Creek Bridge the road is under a 30km/h temporary speed limit. Road users are advised to take extra care.
Canterbury (Including Alpine / Mountain Passes)
• NEW: SH 1 Makikihi near the intersection with Kingsburys Rd - Road Closed due to a serious truck crash - A detour route is in place.
• SH 7 Hanmer Springs Turn Off to Springs Junction - Slip - Resolved - Restrictions have now been lifted
• SH 8 Twizel to Tekapo - Snow & Ice - Due to winter driving conditions road users are advised to take extra care
• SH 8 Tekapo to Fairlie - Snow - Due to winter driving conditions road users are advised to take extra care
• SH 80 to Mount Cook National park - Snow & Ice - Due to winter driving conditions road users are advised to take extra care
• SH1 Dunsandel - Flooding - The road is down to one lane under stop/go control with temporary speed limit in place. Caution is required.
• SH1 Goose Bay & Peketa (South of Kaikoura) - Road Open until Friday 6 pm
West Coast
• SH 6 Ross to Haast - Strong Winds - Care required by caravans, camper vans, high sided vehicles and motorbikes, especially in River Valleys
Otago
• SH 87 Outram to Middlemarch - Snow - Road Open - Road users are advised to take extra care
• SH 8 Roxburgh to Raes Junction - Flooding - Due to flood damage road users are advised to take extra care
• SH 8 Tekapo to Fairlie - Snow - Snow - Road users are advised to take extra care
• SH 85 Omakau to Kyeburn - Flooding - Due to flood damage road users are advised to take extra care
• SH 83 Georgetown to Black Point - Flooding - Blocking the northbound lane near the intersection with Smillies Rd. Road users are advised to take extra care
- Christchurch Star
Hawke's Bay hosts Christmas lunches for those seeking company and support.