The holiday road toll has risen to 16 with fatal crashes in the Tasman and the Waikato.
Police said a person died after a crash on State Highway 65 in Maruia at about 8:35am Tuesday.
The vehicle rolled along the highway between Memorial Lane and the Shenandoah Highway.
Another person was moderately injured.
The Christmas/New Year holiday period ends at 6am Wednesday.
Last year's toll for the same time was 11.
Taupiri crash
In a separate incident, another person died in a single-vehicle crash in Taupiri, Waikato, Tuesday afternoon.
Police said Dawson Road, where the crash occurred, remained blocked in both directions as power lines were brought down in the crash.
It is likely to be closed to traffic for some time between Lake Road and Kerie Road.
Motorists are being asked to delay travel or use another route.
Police are making enquiries on behalf of the coroner.
RNZ
