One person has died and another is seriously injured after two vehicles collided on State Highway 6 near Hokitika.
Emergency services were called to the fatal crash shortly after 10.30am on the Houhou Bridge.
State Highway 6 was reopened to one lane this afternoon.
The Transport Agency earlier said the crash has blocked both lanes of the road and motorists in the area should take care.
Another four people died this morning after a truck and car crashed in Kaingaroa Forest in Bay of Plenty.
Police were called at 6.40am to the crash at the intersection of Bonisch and Parapara Roads.
Timberlands, which operates in the forest, said it is not yet in a position to comment, however it has confirmed it is working with the police.