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Police divert drivers through George St in Hikurangi after a head-on collision later Friday along SH1 claimed the life of a child. Photo / Imran Ali
Police are warning tourists to drive safely after a 6-year-old boy was killed in a frontal accident on State Highway 1 on Friday.
Myka Tuala from Wellington, died after a two-vehicle accident in Hikurangi around 4:20 pm Five people were injured but all were now in stable condition. A woman is being treated in Auckland.
Myka’s death was the first on Northland roads this year, after 28 people died in 2020.
Aside from Friday’s crash, Northland Police Sgt. Ryan Gray said there were few problems on the roads during the New Year period. However, he cautioned against complacency, as many tourists return home today and tomorrow.
“I want to thank everyone for their good behavior and patience, but the vacation period is not over yet. Don’t let complacency creep in,” he said.
“Take care of each other, don’t drink and drive, and make a lot of rest stops.”
Early yesterday morning, a person was airlifted to Whangārei Hospital after an accident on Tokerau beach, Karikari peninsula, but has since been discharged.
Another person was admitted to Whangārei Hospital Saturday night after she was thrown from a car while backing up a driveway in what was described as an incident of family violence on Raewyn St in Morningside, Whangārei.
The person, who was reportedly in serious condition at the time, is believed to have been discharged.
Family violence often spikes this time of year, and Gray encouraged people to call 111 or the non-emergency number 105 if they needed help.
“If you need help, we are at the end of the phone.”
Where to go for help or more information:
• Women’s shelter: the national crisis line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
• Shine, toll free national helpline from 9 am to 11 pm every day – 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
• Not good: information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz
• Shakti: Provides specialized cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800742584
• Ministry of Justice: www.justice.govt.nz/family-justice/domestic-violence
• National Network to Stop Violence: www.nnsvs.org.nz
• White Ribbon: With the aim of eliminating violence from men towards women, focusing this year on sexual violence and the issue of consent. www.whiteribbon.org.nz
