Three people are dead after two crashes in the South Island - both at 3am.
Photo: 123RF
A man and woman died after their car collided with a truck south of Dunedin, near Riverside Road in East Taieri.
The driver, who was trapped in the car, suffered serious injuries and could not be saved.
The woman, who was in the passenger seat, was pronounced dead when police and ambulance staff arrived.
The crash closed State Highway 1, either side of the Dunedin Airport turn-off. The highway has since re-opened.
Meanwhile, in South Canterbury, a man died when his car collided with a truck about 2km south of Makikihi, police said.
The truck driver was treated at the scene, but did not have any serious injuries. There were no passengers in the vehicles.
The crash closed State Highway 1, between the intersection with Makikihi Beach Rd and Hook Swamp Rd. Diversions were in place for light vehicles, police said.
