A vehicle crashed into a power pole on Great South Rd early this morning. Photo / Hayden Woodward
A pedestrian is in hospital after being critically injured when they were struck by a car in downtown Auckland overnight.
Emergency services were called to the bottom of Victoria St West, near Victoria Park, shortly before 2am after reports that a car had hit a pedestrian.
Police confirmed the victim suffered critical injuries and was taken to hospital - understood to be Auckland City Hospital - in an ambulance.
"The circumstances of the crash are being investigated," a spokeswoman said.
The incident came as revellers gathered in downtown Auckland for the usual New Year's Eve celebrations and the countdown to midnight.
Video footage captured after the crash shows police officers searching a red car as another officer speaks to a man nearby.
A cordon was put up at the site and the area was blocked off as emergency services worked at the scene.
Meanwhile, a serious crash has closed off a section of a busy road in Ōtāhuhu, South Auckland.
Motorists are being told to avoid a section of Great South Rd - between Māngere Rd and Nelson St - which has been closed off due to a crash about 7.45am.
Emergency services responded to the scene after reports that a vehicle had smashed into a power pole.
"The sole occupant of the vehicle suffered serious injuries," police said.
The area remains closed as of 9.30am.
Auckland Transport authorities issued an alert telling drivers: "Avoid this route or allow extra time for a short detour."
'He has disregarded our voice and continued with this divisive kaupapa.'