Auckland traffic was disrupted this morning after a two-vehicle collision on State Highway 1 southbound near the Onewa Road exit resulted in one car overturning. Emergency services responded to the incident shortly after 6:00 a.m. On Friday, March 20, 2026.
Police were alerted to the crash and dispatched units to the scene, according to initial reports. Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) deployed two crews to assist, confirming that no individuals were trapped within either vehicle. A spokesperson for FENZ stated that crews were working at the scene to secure the area.
St John Ambulance responded with one ambulance and an operations manager. Paramedics assessed three patients, with two sustaining minor injuries and one individual reported to be in moderate condition. The person with moderate injuries was transported to North Shore Hospital for further medical attention, a St John spokesperson confirmed.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) reported that two lanes were initially closed near the Onewa Road exit, causing significant congestion. While the lanes have since reopened, NZTA advised motorists to “allow extra time while congestion eases.” The NZTA is responsible for managing the state highway network and providing information about travel times and traffic conditions, according to information on the government website, govt.nz.
Footage from 1News showed emergency services personnel at the scene, with a vehicle visibly overturned. State Highway 1 is the longest and most significant road in New Zealand’s network, running the length of both the North and South Islands, and is designated as SH 1N in the North Island and SH 1S in the South Island, according to Wikipedia.
The incident occurred on a section of State Highway 1 that is designated for control by the New Zealand Transport Agency, including planning, design, construction, and maintenance, as outlined in an Auckland Council document.
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