Fire and Emergency services are at the scene of a bitumen tanker leak in Ngongotahā, near Rotorua.
Police said State Highway 5 is blocked as a result of the incident, and will “likely to be shut for the next two hours”.
“Motorists should expect lengthy delays,” said police.
FENZ told 1News the tanker was carrying 12,000 litres of bitumen, and is leaking at approximately 4 litres per minute.
“FENZ are working with contractors to isolate the leak and decant the tanker.
“A small fire started in one of the trucks during this process, and has been since extinguished. All product has been contained.”
Three fire trucks, one hazmat unit and two support vehicles are at the scene. This includes one digger and one bobcat, which FENZ said has come from contractors.
“They are using breathing apparatuses and a covering foam delivery hose.”
According to Google Maps, traffic was moving slowly on the highways surrounding Ngongotahā.
Police said northbound traffic was being diverted around the lake or Paradise Valley, while southbound diversions were likely to take traffic through Ngongotaha Valley, but neither route was accessible to heavy vehicles.
