A person has died after a two-vehicle crash south of Rotorua this morning, police say.
Others involved in the incident received minor to serious injuries.
The crash was reported to police about 9.46am, near the intersection of State Highways 38 and 5 at Waimangu.
Police said SH38 was about to reopen after being closed for a scene examination.
Toi Ohomai chief executive Dr Pim Borren earlier confirmed to the Rotorua Daily Post that students from the tertiary institute were involved in the crash.
He said Toi Ohomai understood all students and staff were safe.
The institute was continuing to gather information regarding student wellbeing and was supporting the emergency response.
“Our immediate priority is the wellbeing and safety of our students and staff.”
Borren said members of the Toi Ohomai team were on site supporting students.
“We have activated our internal support processes to ensure students and staff receive any assistance and support they, or their whānau, may need.”
A Hato Hone St John spokesman said three ambulances and an operations manager were sent to the crash.
The Greenlea Rescue Helicopter responded to the crash and airlifted a seriously injured patient to hospital.
Two other people with serious injuries were taken to Rotorua Hospital by ambulance.
Two others with moderate and minor injuries were also taken to Rotorua Hospital.
Seven other people were assessed by ambulance staff but did not need to go to hospital, the spokesman said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand crews from Rotorua were assisting police and ambulance services at the scene.
Yesterday, a person was seriously injured after a vehicle hit a tree on the same stretch of highway.
Two people were cut from the vehicle and one was airlifted to Waikato Hospital.
Motorists were advised to use alternative routes until the road reopened.
For travel between Murupara and Rotorua, NZTA said to detour via Waimangu Rd and Okaro Rd. Those travelling on SH5 between Waiotapu and Rotorua could detour via Waikite Valley Rd and Tumunui Rd.
Heavy vehicles were encouraged to delay travel or use State Highways 30 and 1 instead.