"She's got a broken leg, head injuries and chest injuries," Mr McLeod said.
Early investigations into the cause of the incident found the driver of the vehicle, a Tauranga man who was travelling west along the street, was not speeding at the time.
The young girl had run out on to the road and in front of the truck, Mr McLeod said.
"She was standing on the footpath on Sala St next to a furniture truck and ran out, without warning, across the road into the path of [the vehicle]."
He said the incident stressed the importance for all motorists to be aware of children near roads because of their sometimes unpredictable behaviour.
Mr Mcleod said there were quite a few motorists and members of the public on the street at the time of the accident.
Sala St was a busy road which was used by heavy traffic, tourists and other drivers, Mr McLeod said.
Although people complained about getting speeding tickets along that road, it was necessary given the variety of users and their safety, he said.
"We police that area regularly. We have high visibility."
Mr McLeod said the incident highlighted the risks on Sala St and similar roads.
The girl's family, the driver of the utility and witnesses were all distressed by what had happened, he said.
"[The family] are just totally distraught and devastated and just waiting by her bedside.
"[The driver] was totally distraught, as were a number of people that witnessed the incident."
Police carried out their investigations shortly after the crash. The road remained open, but was reduced to one lane for a short time.