Photo / File / Greg Bowker
Three people have died on the roads within 11 hours in separate crashes.
About 8.30pm yesterday a person was killed when a car and truck collided near Kaikoura.
The crash occurred at Hapuku, about 15km north of Kaikoura, on State Highway 1.
The car was travelling towards Blenheim when it collided with a truck travelling in the opposite direction. The driver, an elderly Blenheim man, died at the scene.
The driver of the truck was shaken but uninjured.
Police said the car had crossed the centre line and the driver of the truck took evasive action and drove off the road in an attempt to avoid the collision.
About 3am a man was killed and another injured in a crash in south Wairarapa.
Police said a car appeared to have hit a power pole on Kahutara Rd near Martinborough.
About 7.20am a motorcyclist was killed when his machine and a car collided in Taranaki.
Emergency services were called to the scene on SH45, south of Okato, at 7.20am.
An ambulance spokesman said the motorcyclist died at the scene and the driver of the car was taken to Taranaki Base Hospital in New Plymouth with serious injuries.
Acting Inspector Paul Reeves of the police southern communications centre urged motorists to exercise extreme care when driving in the difficult conditions of the last few days.
"These accidents outline how quickly things can go wrong. We urge motorists to be vigilant and take their time when driving."
There have been 101 road deaths in 2013 so far compared with 117 at the same time last year.
Power lines will be moved so the truck can be lifted with a crane.