Eleven people, including the deceased, were in the van when the crash with the truck occurred.
A statement said a number of those people in the van were Samoan nationals, who were in New Zealand working as seasonal workers.
One New Zealander was also in the van.
The New Zealand Herald reports the occupants were on their way to Taupo for a holiday.
Police are liaising with the Samoan High Commission to notify the families of those involved in today's tragic crash.
