Police have charged a 25-year-old man with murder after a fatal crash near Te Puke.

The crash happened about 10.50am on Saturday near the intersection of Te Puke Highway and Rangiuru Rd.

One person died at the scene and another was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Flowerdew-Brown said a homicide investigation was underway.

“Police ask anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage of a white 2005 Toyota Caldina travelling in the Brown Rd area to come forward.

“Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial.”

The 25-year-old was due to appear in Tauranga District Court today.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report”, or by calling 105, quoting file number 261010/7623," Flowerdew-Brown said.

“Information can also be provided anonymously through on 0800 555 111.”

A St John spokesperson earlier said paramedics treated one patient at the scene.