Photo: GNS
A search is under way for a man who went overboard from a vessel between Whakatāne and Whakaari/White Island.
Maritime New Zealand's Rescue Coordination Centre was notified about 3am Thursday.
Two Coastguard boats and two rescue helicopters were searching, and more helicopters were being brought in.
Maritime New Zealand has taken over coordinating the search.
Drift modelling has led to a search area of approximately 300 square nautical miles, but Maritime New Zealand said they are working to refine that area.
The missing person was last seen at around midnight.
Police said the man was one of four people onboard.
Flight Radar shows the two rescue helicopters circling the area. Photo: Screenshot/Flight Radar
