Traffic

Residents and community leaders in the South Canterbury town of Geraldine say a "notorious" stretch of road where three people were killed overnight has been prone to crashes.

Disruptive protests blocking traffic are dangerous for drivers and protesters and anyone taking part could face up to 14 years in jail, police say.

It is slow-going for motorists driving over the Remutaka Hill following a two-vehicle crash near the summit on the Wairarapa side.

Part of Tairāwhiti's main coastal highway will close tonight, as Easter travellers flood the roads and heavy rains are forecast, with no date for its reopening.

Police will be out in force this Easter watching for dangerous drivers, and those travelling on cyclone-damaged roads and in heavy rain are advised to be cautious.

ANZ says flood damage in the North Island is still affecting traffic data and supply chains, but the data is consistent with the slowdown in retail spending.

A section of State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier has been closed due to significant risks from slips and rockfall.

West Coast drivers are being called on to stay off the roads due to heavy rain and flooding, and a slip has shut State Highway 73, a key West Coast to Canterbury route. Audio

Northbound traffic on Auckland's Southern Motorway will be closed again overnight on Wednesday after a truck fire damaged the road.

Two major roads in northern Hawke's Bay have reopened as efforts are made to reconnect the battered region.

A bus driver has died after a crash in Lower Hutt, and police are appealing for witnesses.

Police were called to the scene at the intersection of Universal Drive and Lincoln Road just before 11am on Wednesday.

It will be months if not years of patch ups or complete rebuilds before the country's roading network is back on its feet. Audio

Three people have died in crashes on New Zealand roads on Monday.

One person has died after a crash between a motorbike and a car in the Waitomo District, in Waikato.