Director of road policing Steve Greally said it is still seven deaths too many (file image). Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
The holiday road toll stands provisionally at seven deaths, police say, well down on the 15 deaths last year and 22 deaths in 2024.
But director of road policing, Superintendent Steve Greally, said it was not "a victory, win, or something to celebrate" as it was still seven deaths too many.
"Seven families have lost loved ones, for no good reason, and instead of being able to celebrate during this holiday season, their lives have been changed forever."
The last recorded so far was in a crash in Papatoetoe about 10pm on Sunday.
However, Greally it was encouraging to see, especially when looking at 2025 as a whole.
"We've gone from 342 deaths down to 292, and then last year to 272," he told Morning Report.
"And then of course, seven deaths over the summer period, compared to 15 last time, and 22 the year before."
Greally said it was the result of a combined effort.
"When you think about reducing road trauma, what it is, it takes a system approach. It's not one thing. It's not just police. We have a part to play in that - our partners, New Zealand Transport Agency, the Ministry of Transport, regional councils, educators, all sorts of people come into this - and collectively, the impact is quite profound when we get our timing right and our actions right."
There had been more enforcement over the last three years under Operation Open Roads.
Greally said December's toll was 17 road deaths.
"That's the lowest it's been for that month in the last 45 years."
The 10-year average for December road fatalities is 35.
"We're not going to celebrate until we have zero deaths on our roads, but this is trending in the right direction.
"We want everyone to keep in mind that one death is one too many."
Greally said police will continue road policing operations and patrols, especially in higher risk crash areas.
"We're all responsible for road safety, and while our officers are doing all that they can on the roads to reduce the number of serious crashes, we need drivers to do their part.
"Make sure you are always driving free from alcohol, drugs, and fatigue."
The Christmas holiday period starts at 4pm Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24 December) and runs until 6am today (Monday 5 January 2026).
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