One person has died and 10 more are injured after a crash on State Highway 5 near Tarawera.
A van carrying seasonal workers from Samoa was hit by a truck shortly before 10 am on Monday.
Two people are critically injured, one is seriously injured and seven more are moderately injured. One person died at the scene.
A police spokesperson confirmed to Newshub the truck driver is uninjured.
A St John Ambulance spokesperson said three helicopters, three ambulances and a rapid response vehicle are in attendance between Tataraakina Road and Pohukura Road.
A number of those people in the van were Samoan nationals who were recognised as seasonal employers working in New Zealand, police told Newshub.
One New Zealander was also in the van.
Police are liaising with the Samoan High Commission to notify the families of those involved in the crash on Monday.
"Road deaths are not just numbers, and as Police officers, we never lose sight of the real human loss and grieving behind every death on the road," a spokesperson said.
"Our thoughts are with the families and friends of all those involved following this tragedy."
This morning Newshub cameraman Daniel Jones, who was at the scene, said the damaged van carrying the seasonal workers is off to the side of the highway, with "the impact from the wine tanker to the driver's side".
He said it appears the tanker was hurtled through the barrier on the other side of the road and down a bank.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said SH5 between Napier and Taupō is now open after being closed since 10 am.
"Please expect DELAYS near Tarawera Cafe while queued vehicles start making their way past the crash site."
