Update 6.05pm Hato Hone St John responded to a serious incident on State Highway 30 near Thornton Road, Awakeri, at 4.07pm.

A helicopter, an ambulance, and two rapid response vehicles to the scene, a Hato Hone St John said.

"One patient was assessed at the scene and airlifted to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition."

State Highway 30, Whakatane is currently closed near Thornton Road following an earlier crash.

The crash involved a pedestrian and a vehicle and was reported just before 4:10pm.

The pedestrian has sustained serious injuries.

Staff from the Serious Crash Unit are conducting a scene examination.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

Detours are in place.