Police are appealing for witnesses after a 47-year-old Te Puke man died in a fatal crash on State Highway 33 near Paengaroa this morning.

The head on collision between a Honda and a Volvo happened at 10.10am, with both vehicles suffering extensive damage.

The scene on SH33 near Paengaroa this morning after the fatal crash between a Honda and a Volvo. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

The driver of the Honda died at the scene, while the Volvo driver was transported to Tauranga Hospital with what police are describing as 'moderate to serious injuries”.

Both drivers were New Zealanders, and the crash occurred on a straight section of road.

A Police Crash Analyst is in currently in attendance, however the road re-opened earlier this afternoon.

Referring to the incident, as well as an earlier crash which saw a car hit a power pole in Te Puna, acting Senior Sergeant Phil Gillbanks says: 'Police appeal to all drivers to exercise more care on the roads.

'Today's incidents could have easily been avoided had more driver care been exercised.

'Sadly another family and community are now grieving the loss of a loved one.”

Police would like to speak with any witnesses to this crash who have not yet been spoken to by police, and have ask them to contact Tauranga Police on: (07) 5774300.