Another life lost on one of New Zealand deadliest state highways

A person in their late 30s died this morning - and 10 people are injured after a van collided with a truck this morning on the Napier Taupo Highway, outside the Tarawera Cafe.

St John territory manager Brendon Hutchinson says the van was carrying 10 Samoan seasonal workers, and one New Zealander.

He says Police are working with the Samoan Commission to inform their families.

He says three van loads of RSE workers were headed for Taupo, as their boss was taking them on holiday for a few days.

The road is now open