One person died after a serious accident in Huntly, the first victim of the 2019 Easter weekend on the road

One person died after a serious accident near Huntly tonight, the first fatality of the long Easter weekend.

Police said the emergency services were called around 11:35 pm at the single vehicle accident on Hakarimata Road.

"One person died on the scene and the other occupant of the car has minor injuries," police said.

"The unit of severe accidents is on the scene and it is asked people to avoid the area if possible."

The road is closed and detours are in place at the Huntly and Ngaruawahia ends of Hakarimata Road.

Last year, seven people lost their lives on New Zealand's roads during the Easter holidays.

This death was the first for the Easter holiday period this year – the holiday period officially ends at 6 am on Tuesday.