Anzac Day weekend road toll: Two dead in Rotorua SH36 crash

A Hato Hone St John spokeswoman said an ambulance and rapid response unit sent to help had treated one person in a minor condition.

The crash occurred near the intersection of Leonard Rd and State Highway 36 near Ngongotahā, about 10km north of Rotorua. 25 April 2026. Image / Google Maps

The person was taken to Rotorua Hospital, the spokeswoman said.

Marsh thanked those who rushed to help.

“These incidents are always confronting, and we want to acknowledge the members of the public who did what they could to help while emergency services responded.

“Crashes like this are devastating for the families involved and the community, and police will continue to support those affected by the tragic incident.”

This crash is the latest of several that have occurred in the Bay of Plenty during the last seven days, he said.

A serious crash occurred on State Highway 36 north of Rotorua this morning. Police have closed the state highway at its intersection with Leonard Rd (pictured), near Ngongotahā, 10km north of Rotorua. 25 April 2026. Photo / Google Streetview

With more vehicles on the road over the Anzac Day long weekend, he urged motorists to take care.

“We are asking all road users to prioritise safety and make please make good decisions whenever you’re travelling not just over the long weekend but every day – regardless of if your journey is near or far.”

The double fatality crash comes after police ramped up safety messages before drivers set off for what is a three-day weekend, as the Anzac Day statutory holiday is Mondayised.

A top cop warned motorists to take care as road deaths this year neared one a day.

One hundred and two people had already died on the roads in 2026, police said on Friday.

Two people died in separate crashes in North Auckland’s Wellsford and on SH29 in the Kaimai Range on Thursday, and nine lost their lives in a five-day period earlier this month.

There had been 17 road deaths this month alone, Inspector Peter McKennie said yesterday.

“That number is far too high”, the acting director of road policing said.

Recent severe weather had damaged road infrastructure and reduced visibility, and McKennie warned drivers to plan ahead and avoid complacency.

“Drive to the conditions, stay alert, and be prepared to adjust your plans if visibility or road conditions deteriorate.

“Allow plenty of time for your journey so you’re not tempted to take risks. Whether you’re heading away or returning home, rushing increases danger.”

Police will be keeping watch on motorists speed this long weekend.

Motorists could expect a high presence of police officers on roads across the country this weekend, with the men and women in blue focused on seatbelt use, impairment from alcohol, drugs or fatigue, distraction and speed.

“These are a priority every day, not just on long weekends.

“Choosing to slow down, buckle up, put the phone away or organise a sober ride home can be the difference in making it safely to your destination – or not making it at all.”

He urged motorists to “remember Anzac for the right reasons, not the wrong ones”.

“We want everyone to get to their friends and whānau safely – and back home again.“

National road policing manager Superintendent Steve Greally had a particular message for those driving on rural roads this long weekend.

Superintendent Steve Greally also warned those taking rural routes to stay “extra vigilant”.

“Even though rural roads generally have less traffic, that does not make them safer”, the director of road policing said.

“Rural roads have higher speed limits without median barriers, therefore the risk of serious injury or fatalities in any crash is higher than it is on motorways.”