A number of people have died after a boat got into difficulty in Kaipara Harbour this afternoon.
At least six other people have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment.
Four aircraft continue to search for people in the water; three helicopters and a plane.
Emergency services were first alerted just after 3.30pm to a call about a vessel being overdue off South Head.
Police, Coastguard, St John and Surf Life Saving are all involved in the rescue operation.
At this stage Police are unable to specify how many people have died.
Further details will be released when they become available.
ENDS
Police Media Centre