The New Zealand Transport Agency is warning motorists to be wary of stock wandering on the region's highways, after an increase in the number of calls it is receiving about wandering stock.
Already this month seven cases involving 50 animals have been reported on state highways in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

This vehicle is believed to have crashed into a fence after its driver says he took evasive action to avoid a horse near Poike last week.

In one case more than 30 cows got loose onto State Highway 35 posing a potential crash risk for road users.
Earlier this week a horse was hit after roaming loose on State Highway 30 near Awakeri.
While the driver of the vehicle escaped injury, the horse was not so lucky.
NZTA's Bay of Plenty State Highway manager Rod James says there is the potential for people to be seriously hurt if they drive into wandering stock.
"We urge farmers to check their stock are secure in order to protect the wellbeing of the animals as well as to ensure the safety of road users."