Two people have died and seven people were injured in a crash in the Selwyn District in Canterbury.
Police say the collision happened on Main South Road in Bankside just before 9am.
It involved a truck and several other vehicles.
Power has been restored to eight homes after the collision took out a power pole.
A police spokesperson said diversions were in place at Old South Road and Main Rakaia Road, near Rakaia, and drivers should expect delays.
The Serious Crash Unit is at the scene and are continuing to investigate the crash.
UPDATE 3:30PM
— NZTA Canterbury/WC (@NZTACWC) November 10, 2019
Due to a serious crash, #SH1 Bankside is CLOSED near Old South Rd for Vehicle recovery. Detour northbound via Breadings Rd, Terrace Rd, College Rd & Parkins Rd. Southbound via Old South Rd & Main Rakaia Rd. ^CR ttps://twitter.com/NZTACWC/status/1193259446379700224
Meanwhile, one person is dead following a crash in South Auckland. A car crashed into a parked truck on Stancombe road in the suburb of Flat Bush about 2pm.