NZTA said the journey between Wellington and Wairarapa could take up to an extra three hours.
Photograph: Pretoria Gordon / RNZ

Five people have been taken to hospital following an overnight crash in the Auckland suburb of Bucklands Beach.

St. John responded with five ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and an operations manager just after 1 a.m. Saturday morning.

Four people were taken to Middlemore Hospital in serious condition and a fifth person with moderate injuries was also taken.

In the southern North Island, State Highway 2 was closed near Kaitoke after a serious two-car collision at the intersection of Gilbert Road and Waterworks Road.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said the incident was reported around 5am.

State Highway 2 has been closed between Gilbert Road and Waterworks Road, preventing access between Upper Hutt and Featherston.

“This closure will be extended to the entire Remutaka Hill at Kaitoke-Featherston,” NZTA said. “The motorway is expected to remain closed for several hours until the crash is cleared and the police serious crash unit investigation is completed.

“Motorists should follow the instructions of emergency services at the scene. Road users are asked to avoid the area, delay their journey or use an alternative route.”

NZTA said the journey between Wellington and Wairarapa could take up to an extra three hours.

There was also a crash on State Highway 59 near Pukerua Bay, which closed the southbound lane.

“People traveling between Paekākāriki and Porirua should use State Highway 1 as an alternative route.”

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