People living in the Whanganui and Manawatu areas may see a red parachute flare on Thursday night but should not be concerned as it will be part of a search and rescue training exercise, weather permitting.
The exercise involves the Police and Coastguard assisting RNZAF with the testing of NVG (night vision goggles) for use in marine search and rescue incidents.
The flare is expected to be set off between 9pm and 10.30pm, 3 nautical miles south west of Whanganui. A red flare device may also be deployed on the sea surface.