Two fatal crashes on State Highway One in Northland last night have begun the long weekend on a dark note

Emergency services were first called to a two-vehicle crash near Clough Road in Kaitaia shortly after five.

One person died at the scene, while four others were airlifted to hospital.

The second crash was north of Okaihau just after seven, when two cars towing trailers collided.

The driver of one car was killed, while two people in the other car have moderate injuries.

The official holiday road toll began at four yesterday afternoon, and runs through until six on Monday morning.