12.25pm update: One person has died following a serious crash on State Highway 32 this morning.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on Whakamaru Road at around 6.30am.

"Sadly, the person died at the scene," said a police spokesperson.

"One other person received moderate injuries and was transported to hospital."

The road has since reopened.

"Police would like to thank motorists for their cooperation and patience during the road closures as it is important for us to conduct a scene examination and gather all the information we can," said a police spokesperson.

"While enquiries into the crash are ongoing, Police are seeking the public’s help and want to hear from witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage that may have captured the crash, or the events prior to the crash."

If you have information that may assist Police in our enquiries, please contact us online at 105.online.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” or 105.

A serious crash on a SH1 detour route will force motorists to detour via Rotorua until at least early afternoon. Image / NZTA Journey Planner.

Earlier, 9am:

A serious crash on a SH1 diversion route will force motorists to detour via Rotorua until at least early afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on Whakamaru Rd, State Highway 32, south of Tokoroa, at 6.30am.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said SH32 was closed between SH1 and SH30 in both directions.

State Highway 1 south of Tokoroa is also closed for major maintenance works, meaning motorists now face a longer detour in both directions along the North Island’s main arterial route and are being advised to plan their journey carefully.

Motorists should refer to NZTA’s journey planner for more up-to-date information.

The journey planner advises drivers to delay their journey or use an alternative route. SH1 remains closed for major renewal works.

A traffic bulletin for NZTA said drivers need to detour via Rotorua until the road reopens — likely early this afternoon.

“For northbound traffic, turn right from SH1 onto SH30, left at the roundabout from SH30 onto SH5, then continue along SH5 until you rejoin SH1 in Tīrau,” NZTA said.

Southbound traffic must detour from SH1 after Tirau, following the route in reverse.

SH32 TOKOROA - 7:25AM
Due to a serious crash the #SH32 is now closed between SH1 and SH30 in both directions. Please delay your journey or use an alternative route via Rotorua. ^AA pic.twitter.com/ngxLFotfz0

— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) October 10, 2024

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on Whakamaru Rd, near Mangakino, at about 6.30am.

Police said initial indications suggested there were serious injuries.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said an ambulance and helicopter responded to the incident, near Kinleith.

“One patient in a moderate condition was transported to Tokoroa Hospital, by ambulance,” the spokesperson said.

Fire and Emergency NZ responded with three fire crews.