New Zealand police has confirmed that the bus which crashed near Rotorua has 27 people on board, including 24 Chinese tourists, one local driver and two tour guides. Five which confirmed dead are all Chinese tourists. As of 6pm local time, three seriously injured were receiving medical treatment at Waikato Hospital. Four with minor injuries were receiving treatment or under observation at Rotorua Hospital. Other passengers have left the hospital and rest at a hotel in Rotorua.

Working groups of the Chinese Embassy and the Consulate General in Auckland have arrived at the relevant cities to offer condolences, assist the injured and calling for the local authorities to provide assistance with the follow-up work.

The Chinese Embassy and Consulate will continue our efforts to provide consular protection and handle the aftermath work.