Police have confirmed one person has died tonight in a fatal crash on Te Aute Rd in Havelock North.
Emergency services were called to the scene at about 7.15pm after two cars collided head-on leaving one dead and several with critical and serious injuries.
A police spokeswoman said one person was taken to hospital with critical injuries and two others were in a serious condition.
Police, fire and ambulance services were at the scene for several hours and the serious crash unit was still present about 10pm last night.
Fire and towing services were to be required later in the evening, the spokeswoman said.