WELLINGTON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Police have confirmed that several people died when a small boat got into trouble in the Kaipara Harbour, north of Auckland, Saturday.
A major rescue operation is still underway and six people have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment, police said in a statement.
"A number of people have died after a boat got into difficulty in Kaipara Harbour this afternoon," said the statement.
Three helicopters and an airplane were continuing to search as light faded.
A Police launch was also involved in the search. The police, Coastguard, St John ambulance and surf life saving organizations were all involved in the rescue operation.
The New Zealand Herald news site reported the boat was a fishing charter that can carry a maximum of 20 people.
A long-term Kaipara resident told Xinhua by phone that those on the boat were more likely to be local people out fishing rather than tourists.
