Please attribute to Inspector Duncan Hall.
The bodies of five people have been recovered from Kaipara Harbour following a maritime rescue operation today.
The operation follows a report to emergency services at about 3.30pm that a vessel was overdue.
Three other people have been rescued and are in hospital.
A search for a further three people will continue.
Police have been told that 11 people were on the boat.
A shoreline search around South Head and Te Oneone Rangatira Beach will continue for a few more hours.
The air search has now ceased and is scheduled to recommence tomorrow morning from 7am, weather permitting.
Conditions are not suitable for an air search to continue tonight due to a significant sea swell. Visibility is poor, which would put rescue aircraft and their crews at risk.
Inquiries are being made into what happened to the vessel and how people ended up in the water.
Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of relatives in relation to this incident is asked to attend Helensville Police Station or to call 111 for assistance.
Unless there is a significant development, the Police Media Centre does not anticipate issuing any further updates until after 7am tomorrow morning.
ENDS
Police Media Centre