A person is understood to be badly injured after a three-car crash on State Highway 2, north of Tauranga today.
The section of SH2 between Whakamarama and Apata has been closed to traffic as emergency services treat six people involved in the crash.
The New Zealand Transport Agency advised people to delay their journeys or avoid the area if possible.
The crash is near the intersection with Apata Station Rd and was reported at 15.28pm, a police spokeswoman said.
Police confirmed a person was seriously injured and a helicopter has been requested. The Serious Crash Unit has been advised.
A bystander said police were turning traffic around. She was travelling north via Apata Station Rd.
The traffic is really bad, she said.
A photographer said a cordon has since been placed at the junction with Esdaile Rd.
Another motorist said traffic was backed up as far as Moffat Rd in Bethlehem.
Emergency services were also responding to reports of a car and motorcycle crash in Judea, Tauranga.
More to come
The Transport Agency says traffic moves more 'steadily' with fewer lanes.