Two people have died after a car and a logging truck collided in the central North Island today.
Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash, on the bottom of the Titiokura Hill, north of Te Pohue about midday.
A police spokeswoman said police were unsure as to details of the crash.
She said the identity of the victims were unknown at this stage.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo was closed until further notice.
This was to allow the Serious Crash Unit to carry out its investigation.
It said an update would be made after 4pm.
Motorists were advised to take alternative routes or delay travel plans.