Twelve people have died on the nation's roads this holiday period - four fewer than last year.
The latest death was that of a man who died in Auckland hospital following a crash in Whangaparaoa on New Year's Day.
The official holiday road toll period ended at 6am today, having started on Christmas Eve, but police are continuing to stress the need for care on the roads.
National road policing manager Superintendent Steve Greally said there were still many people returning home from holidays, and motorists must remain vigilant and adjust their speed to suit the conditions.
Mr Greally said one death was too many.
"We've always said that if we lose just one person on our roads ... that is a bad thing.
"That would be reflected and endorsed I'm sure by the families of those people who are experiencing profound grief about now.
"There's not many things you can put into words. You can't really describe what they must be feeling," he said.
Those killed on the roads were seven drivers, three passengers, one motorcycle rider and one cyclist.
