One person is dead after a prison van transporting prisoners crashed with a car in Northland.

Source: 1 NEWS

Police say the crash happened on State Highway One near Waiomio in the Bay of Islands.

The van involved was transporting prisoners and they are being moved to another vehicle and transported to prison.

One person has died in the car.

Police say one person in the van has moderate injuries, while there are also reports of minor injuries.

Motorists travelling northbound are advised to take the Mangakahia Road route, however light vehicles can also use the Ruapekapeka Road detour.

The diversions are expected to remain in place for some time and delays are expected.