Health and safety law reforms viewed as a win for hunters and experts assess "healthcare crisis" at Nelson Hospital. Video / NZ Herald, Getty Images
Police are at the scene of a car and van crash in South Taranaki.
Thirteen people are injured, with two in serious condition; four helicopters airlifting victims.
Hastings Rd is closed for a Serious Crash Unit examination.
Thirteen people, including a van of students, have been injured after a car and van collided at Matapu, South Taranaki.
Hastings Rd, between Skeet and Eltham roads, is likely to remain closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene.
Te Kura o Nga Ruahine Rangi school administrator Patsy Broughtontold the Herald the students from Years 11 to 13 were on their way to attend a sporting event at another school.
Te Kura o Ngaruahine Rangi, corner of Hastings and Eltham Road. Photo / Google Maps
Thirteen people have been injured after a car and van collided at Matapu, South Taranaki. Photo / Philips Search and Rescue Trust
Four rescue helicopters landed in a nearby paddock where they began airlifting patients to hospital, police say.
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter crew arrived on the scene about 10.40am, shortly after the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter, Philips Search and Rescue Trust said.
The Waikato Westpac Rescue Helicopter stabilised a patient for about 40 minutes before airlifting the person, who had serious injuries, to Waikato Hospital.
Another patient was flown to Whanganui Hospital by the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter.
Three patients were transported via road to Whanganui Hospital, and six were taken to Taranaki Hospital by road.
Hato Hone St John said they were notified of the motor vehicle incident just before 10am.
“Four ambulances, four helicopters, two operations managers, and one rapid response unit attended.”
More to come.
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Reporter Herikō is at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngaa Papaonekura, where tamariki from kura all over the motu are running their hearts out in cross country races.
