A helicopter rescue was needed off the coast of Northland on Wednesday morning after a Coastguard boat hit the rocks - injuring five crew.
The Tutukaka Coastguard was on its way to help a yacht in difficulties off Ngunguru when it struck a reef in rough seas - off Taiharuru Head.
A helicopter winched three of the Coastguard off the damaged boat and returned for the remaining pair.
Chief pilot Pete Turnbull says the first three men had serious injuries to their faces and chests and one has a broken arm.
Two are to be flown to Middlemore hospital in Auckland.
A second Coastguard vessel went to the aid of the yacht and piloted the vessel to safety.
