A pedestrian killed by a car in Auckland this morning is the latest road toll casualty.

Two people have drowned at popular North Island coastal areas this afternoon and two others are missing.

Two people are seriously injured in Tauranga Hospital after being thrown out of the back of a car.

A 45-year-old man is in intensive care after a 300kg block of concrete fell on him at a Bay of Plenty trucking firm.

A 45 year old male has received life threatening injuries after a 300kg concrete block fell on him on Omokoroa Road, Tauranga.

Serious questions need to be asked about events which led to this week's misery and damage.