Members of the public worked to pull victims out of a car involved in a firey fatal crash south of Whangarei on Monday afternoon.
One person died at the scene on State Highway 12 at Paparoa, one sustained serious injuries and another person received moderate injuries.
"We also wish to acknowledge the heroic actions of those people who were first on the scene attempting to put out the fire that engulfed the vehicle and also to extract the occupants of the vehicle," Senior Sergeant Josh Fagan said in a statement.
Police are working through the investigation as to how the two vehicles ended up colliding, and also to contact next of kin.
"We understand that this was terrible situation to deal with and anyone who wishes to speak to someone in confidence about this ordeal can contact Whangarei Police."
Police also extended its thanks to emergency services who dealt with the scene.
The road was closed for several hours.
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