File photo: Stephen JaquieryTwo people have died in the water on Saturday afternoon. Emergency services in the Bay of Plenty were called to an area off Poripori Road in Lower Kaimai, where a person had been taken out of the water. In the South Island, the Akaroa harbourmaster pulled a person from the water, but they also died. Drummond Wharf was cordoned off, while emergency services worked at the scene and the death will be referred to the coroner. Police say they were called to the area near Graham Island at Hamilton at about 3,30pm Saturday, after reports of a struggling swimmer being swept downstream.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 10, 2026 02:39 UTC