The cause of the crash was still being investigated, Robinson said.
Following the crash, there was an altercation between the two parties involved.
It was alleged some of the students from the van assaulted the driver and sole occupant of the car, adding to his injuries sustained in the crash.
Police had recovered a hammer and were investigating how that had been used in the incident.
There were reports one of the occupants of the van had used it to further damage the other vehicle.
Robinson said no charges had been laid as yet because the priority at the time was clearing the road and ensuring the well-being of the injured drivers.
Both were taken to Bay of Islands Hospital for treatment.
Police knew the identities of everyone involved, he said.