Police say a man has died, after he and two other men were washed into the ocean while fishing from land near Whangarei.
Emergency services were called to a water rescue at Taiharuru, Whangarei Heads about 1pm on Sunday.
The three men were fishing at a spot known as 'The Gap' when they were washed into the sea.
One managed to get back to shore before emergency services arrived.
A rescue helicopter rescued another one of the fishermen who was still in the water, and the body of the third was located shortly after.
The death will be referred to the coroner.
Next of kin are still to be advised.
