Passing motorists pulled the occupants of a blazing van to safety after a head-on collision in Manukau this afternoon, police said.
One man died, and four people, including a four-year-old child, were injured in the crash, which took place on Karaka Road (State Highway 22), near Blackbridge Road, north of Pukekohe.
The crash is the only fatal road accident reported to the National Police Headquarters over the weekend.
The dead man was driving east and overtaking when he collided with a west-bound van.
Senior Sergeant Shawn Rutene said the car burst into flames, and passers-by were unable to save the driver due to the ferocity of the fire that engulfed his vehicle.
He praised the actions of motorists who pulled the occupants of the van to safety as it was burning.
Without their prompt actions there would have "undoubtedly" been further deaths, Mr Rutene said.
The occupants of the van suffered injuries ranging from medium to serious and were taken to Middlemore Hospital.
Witnesses from 10 vehicles were being spoken to by police, Mr Rutene said.
The road is not expected to be able to be reopened until at least 10.30pm.
Diversions are in place in a loop to the north using Blackbridge, Muir, Lewis and Charles Roads, back onto SH22 and Glenbrook Road.
