Ten airlifted to hospital after bus rolls

At least 10 people have been injured after a bus carrying Tongan workers rolled, at Broadlands, between Rotorua and Taupō.

Police said the bus was the only vehicle involved in the crash, which happened at the Broadlands Road and Allen Road intersection, just before 7.30am on Sunday.

All of the 10 people injured were airlifted to hospital, including, three with serious injuries and two with moderate injuries.

The five other people who were injured had minor injuries, police said in a statement.

Immigration New Zealand's Pacific manager Mike Sorensen said the bus had been carrying 30 RSE workers from the Pacific, who are taking part in the Recognised Seasonal Employer programme.

"We can confirm that the accident involved ... workers who had arrived in New Zealand earlier this morning and were travelling to Hawke's Bay to start work with their employer, Mr Apple," he said.

"We understand 13 of the workers were taken to various hospitals, and some of them are expected to be discharged later today [Sunday], and transported to Hawke's Bay."

Another 17 of those from the bus had carried on to Hawke's Bay after the crash.

Sorenson said Immigration New Zealand would continue to provide assistance and support to those involved.

The road was expected to be closed for some time, but police said diversions were in place at Ohaaki Road and Vaile Road.

This story was first published by RNZ.