Photo: ODT filesA motorist has died after a crash in Ashburton early on Christmas morning, bringing the holiday road toll to five. Police said the person died after crashing in Methven Highway (State Highway 77) in the suburb of Allenton. Five people have died since the start of the official road toll period on December 22 that runs until January 5. One person died after fleeing a police checkpoint in Whangārei on Friday evening. Last year, the Christmas-New Year road toll was 17.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 25, 2023 01:58 UTC