Two people have died and five other people were injured after a crash south of Rotorua this evening.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The injuries range from minor to critical.
State Highway 5 near Waiotapu - about 20 minutes south of Rotorua - is still closed while police investigate.
Meanwhile, snow and ice has again closed the Desert Road between Waiouru and Rangipo.
In the South Island, State Highway 87 is still closed by snow between Kyeburn to Outram.