Serious crash blocking State Highway 5: Tapapa - Bay of Plenty
Emergency services are responding to a serious crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa.
Police were advised at 10.45am that a car had collided with a tree, between Harwoods Road and Tapapa Road. The car caught on fire following the crash and the fire is reported to have spread to nearby vegetation.
Motorists are advised to expect delays and should take alternative routes where possible
⚠️ UPDATE:
Following a crash on State Highway 5, Tapapa this morning, trucks and heavy vehicles heading north between Rotorua and Tīrau will not be able to go past the intersection of Harwoods Road and State Highway 5.
A diversion for trucks and heavy vehicles is in place and drivers should follow the directions of emergency services staff.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53% Yes
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47% No
Appeal for information following fatal crash: Tāneatua
Police investigating a fatal crash in Tāneatua are seeking further information from members of the public who witnessed the crash, or any movements leading up to the crash, to assist with our enquiries.
Prior to the crash, Police can confirm the red Honda Accord was observed travelling on Reid Road in excess of the speed limit.
A Police vehicle travelling the other direction observed the vehicle at speed, however was unable to locate the vehicle as it travelled towards White Pine Bush Road.
Police believe there were two other vehicles near or on the Pekatahi Bridge at the time of the crash, and we’d like to speak to the occupants of those vehicles to understand what they saw.
Additionally, we’re still seeking information from anybody who saw a red Honda Accord travelling in and around Tāneatua between 5:30pm and 6pm on Tuesday 2 December.
If you have information, please contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online, referencing file number 251202/5566.
Poll: Over summer, how do you reclaim your sense of home in the Bay of Plenty?
When tourists take over the streets and parking disappears, where do you find your calm?
Or is summer’s hustle something to enjoy rather than escape?
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12.5% I enjoy the summer hubbub!
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87.5% Please, give me some peace
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0% I escape the region during summer
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