State Highway 30 crash at Tikitere leaves two dead and one injured

Two people have died following a serious crash at Tikitere, near Rotorua, this morning.

Emergency services were called to the two-vehicle crash on State Highway 30 at around 4.20am.

“Sadly, two people were found dead at the scene,” police said.

“One other person received moderate injuries.”

Road closures remain in place while the Serious Crash Unit conducts a scene examination.

Diversions are in place at the intersections of State Highway 30/State Highway 33 and State Highway 30/Matahi Rd.

UPDATE 9:15AM

SH30 is still closed in Tikitere. Avoid the area or allow extra time for a detour. ^KF https://t.co/BeZVrLY2wp

— NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty (@nztawbop) January 14, 2026

The NZ Transport Agency said State Highway 30 is expected to remain closed for some time.