(file image) Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
A mother and child are understood to be among the people who died in a "horrific" crash between a truck and a car in Rangitikei on Monday.
The crash occurred on State Highway 1 between Putorino Road and Te Hou Hou Road about 2pm.
Three people were found dead at the scene, and the driver of the truck was taken to hospital for treatment.
The family of the deceased have posted tributes on social media, saying they are heartbroken and devastated by the loss of the mother and daughter.
One of the posts also identifies the mother of the woman's partner to be the third deceased.
On Monday, police said they were speaking with and arranging support for witnesses of the crash who were first on scene.
"Any fatal crash, but particularly one where multiple people have lost their lives, is confronting even for veteran emergency service personnel," Central district road policing manager inspector Phil Ward said.
"We will also be making sure our staff at the scene have the support they need following this horrific event.
"Crashes of this nature are confronting for everyone, including those involved, those first at the scene, and emergency responders."
Police were in the early stages of the investigation to determine what caused this tragic event, Ward said.
The Serious Crash Unit has conducted a scene examination, and the vehicles have been towed from the scene.