Ripirō Beach in Northland. Photo: WikipediaTwo men have drowned at a beach in Northland. Police were called about 6.50pm yesterday to reports the pair could be seen struggling in water at Ripirō Beach, between Mahuta Gap and Glinks Gully. Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ) confirmed surf lifeguards responded to an incident at Glinks Gully. Police had informed surf lifeguards that two people were caught in a rip, 300 metres north of the access way at Glinks Gully, approximately 17km south of the Baylys Beach patrolled area.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 03, 2026 21:57 UTC