The woman killed when her car was hit by a train last night near Levin has been named as 69-year-old Rosalyn Sylvia Yong, known as Sylvia.
Mrs Yong lived locally and it is believed that she may have been driving to a spot where she could walk her dog, which she did regularly. Her dog was also killed in the collision.
The Serious Crash Investigation Unit is working to establish the cause of the crash.
In the meantime Police would like to remind motorists to take extra care around level crossings, especially if they are uncontrolled as in this case.
When approaching a level crossing you should slow down or stop if there is a legal requirement to do so.
Don't just glance up the line as trains often travel at high speed and can reach a level crossing very quickly, so look as far up the line as possible.
Cross only if you know there are no trains coming from either direction and there are no vehicles stopped in front of you or on the other side of the crossing which might restrict your flow through the crossing.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.