State Highway 1 was blocked north of Kaitāia after a milk delivery truck rolled, while people have died in crashes near Russell, and in Buller District.
The crash saw a large quantity of milk, cream and cheese scattered across the road.
The crash occurred about 12.40pm at Waipapakauri, 15km north of Kaitāia.
Kaitāia deputy fire chief Ross Beddows said it was not clear what had caused the truck to roll on a fairly straight section of highway near the junction with West Coast Road.
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The truck came to rest on its side, blocking the northbound lane, with the impact splitting the roof open and catapulting dairy products across the highway.
"It's a hell of a mess. There's milk, cream and cheese lying around. We've saved what we can but it's a warm day."
Beddows said it was fortunate the driver suffered only minor injuries.
"So we're just cleaning up the spilled milk, but no one's crying. Well, not in our crew anyway."
Police and St John Ambulance also responded, and traffic was diverted around the crash scene.
Beddows said a large tow truck had been dispatched from Kaitāia to right the delivery truck and allow firefighters to finish washing down the highway.
By Peter de Graaf for rnz.co.nz
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