They said, “One person was located deceased at the scene”.
“One other person received serious injuries and was transported to hospital.”
The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit examines the scene, with motorists advised to avoid the area.
Firefighters were called to the crash at 11.24pm, Fire and Emergency northern shift manager Garreth Lewis said.
Three fire engines and two support vehicles responded, with firefighters assisting police and ambulance.
The road was closed around midnight, according to the NZ Transport Agency’s website.
For northbound traffic, the detour route turns left onto SH30, continues to a right turn onto SH32, before turning back onto SH1.
Southbound traffic follows the same detour in reverse.
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