UPDATED 7.50PM: A man is dead following a crash between a truck and ute on State Highway 1.

Emergency services were called to the crash on the highway, at Karapiro, at 4.27am.

Police say the driver of the ute died at the scene.

"Road closures and diversions are expected to be in place for some time.

"SH1 north is diverted onto SH29 and SH1 south is being diverted onto Victoria Road and Maungatautari Road."

EARLIER 6.46AM:

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash involving a truck and another vehicle on SH1 at Karapiro.

Police were called to the crash - between Karapiro Rd and Gorton Rd – at 4.27am.

"Road closures and diversions have been put in place," says police.

"Drivers are asked to be patient and plan an alternative route.

"SH1 north is diverted onto SH29. SH1 south is diverted onto Victoria Rd and Maungatautari Rd."

More soon..