Please attribute to Tairawhiti Area Commander Inspector Sam Aberahama.
Police and other emergency services are responding to the crash of a small aircraft in a rural area in Hangaroa, near Wairoa.
The crash has occurred in a remote location and police are working to reach the scene.
Police are also working to establish how many people were on board the aircraft and any casualties.
Power lines in the area have been damaged as a result of the crash and this is currently causing significant power outages in Gisborne and surrounding areas.
Police will be working with the local lines company, Civil Defence and local authorities to manage the impact of this power outage during the course of the day.
The remote location will mean it will take time for police to be in a position to release verified information about the crash as the response progresses.
Further information will be provided when it is available.
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Issued by Police Media Centre.