The search is continuing for a father and daughter missing after a kayaking incident on Lake Tarawera, Rotorua this morning.
Ambulance received a call at approximately 11.10am. The 40-year-old man and his 6-year-old daughter were together in a single kayak. It's not clear at this stage what happened but the kayak was seen upturned on the water and the pair disappeared under the water and didn't re-surface.
Locals and holidaymakers took to the water, joined by emergency service personnel and Coastguard. An air search was also carried out by the Bay Trust Rescue helicopter. A search and rescue operation is still underway and that operation includes the assistance of local divers.
The kayak, its paddle and an adult life-jacket have been recovered. It is understood the child was wearing the adult life-jacket and it is not believed that the father was wearing a life-jacket.
The family are from Auckland holidaying by the lake.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.