“Police would like to thank the members of the public who stopped and rendered assistance to those involved in the crash. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time,” police said.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said three crews worked to free two people trapped in separate vehicles.
Hato Hone St John sent two ambulances, two operations managers, a rapid response vehicle and a helicopter.
SH1 was closed for close to four hours.
Inquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.