Seven people are in hospital after their van and a laden logging truck collided in Putere, south of Wairoa.
Emergency services were called to Putere Rd, Wairoa, about 4.10pm yesterday, police said.
A Lowe Corporation Rescue Helicopter spokeswoman said the helicopter airlifted a male with major abdominal injuries and broken legs from the scene.
The rescue helicopter made a second flight to the Ruapunga Rugby Grounds, where it airlifted two men in their 20s who had been transported by ambulance from the accident scene.
One of the men had back injuries and the other an arm injury.
The Eastern Rescue Helicopter also airlifted two men from the accident scene, while the two remaining men were transported by ambulance, the spokeswoman said.