"No family should have to endure this kind of loss."
Masterton girl Kahui Matauwhati, 4, died in a crash near Taumarunui, on December 29. She died when the SUV driven by her mother drifted across the centre-line on State Highway 4, hit a culvert on the opposite side of the road and rolled several times.
Her mother received minor to moderate injuries and her father, the only other passenger, moderate injuries.
The last fatality before the road toll officially ended was a 52-year-old male motorcyclist, who died in a head-on crash with a ute the day after New Year's Day along the Taihape-Napier Road.
The road toll is higher than last year by one.
One driver, four passengers, and two motorcycle riders died during the holiday period, which started at 4pm on Christmas Eve and ended yesterday at 6am.
Six of the seven deaths occurred on the open road.
Mr Cliff reminded people to get home safely. "With one of the busiest travelling weekends of the year ahead of us, I urge all road users to play their part by keeping their speed down, avoiding alcohol and ensuring everyone in their vehicle is using the appropriate restraints."
