Four people are dead and another critically injured after a two-car smash in Hawke's Bay.
Emergency services were called to the crash on State Highway 2 near Mohaka, about 30km southwest of Wairoa, at 7:15pm on Wednesday, police central communications Inspector Paul Jeremy told NZ Newswire.
Four people died at the scene.
Another person is in a critical condition, and two others are less seriously injured, Insp Jeremy says.
Police, fire service and ambulances are at the scene, and two men have been airlifted to Hawke's Bay Hospital - a 62-year-old man and a 17-year-old.
Police believe the victims are from Wairoa. Family members have gathered at the scene.
State Highway 2 is closed near Mohaka, with diversions in place through the township. It is likely the road will stay closed overnight.
NZN / 3 News