Police are disappointed motorists driving past the scene of a fatal motorway crash early on Thursday morning whipped out their phones and took video and photos.
The two-vehicle crash happened on State Highway 1 near Tawa, Wellington, at about 3:20am. One person was killed, and police on Friday revealed the two drivers were known to each other.
"Initial enquiries suggest the vehicles made contact while travelling side by side, above the temporary posted speed limit," said Wellington road policing manager Insp Wade Jennings.
They were aged 32 and 54. The 54-year-old died, while the younger man was moderately injured.
Jennings said "several motorists" were seen driving past filming the scene on their phones.
"While this is an offence and a serious safety risk, we also urge motorists to be mindful of the privacy and dignity of those involved."
Using a cellphone while driving can attract fines of up to $150 and 20 demerit points.
Police are expected to release the deceased's name later on Friday. Investigation of the crash is ongoing.
