The Mahuranhi River on Wednesday. Photo: Lucy Xia / RNZ
A person and their vehicle are missing after being washed out into a river north of Auckland, while trying to cross a ford on the Mahurangi River.
Fire and Emergency were called to the rescue at a river crossing on Falls Road - near the intersection with Woodcocks Road - at about 7.51am on Wednesday.
Warkworth chief fire officer Nick McLean said rain had been heavy and persistent in the area on Wednesday morning, and it was believed the person and their car were swept away by the river's strength and high waters.
A passenger had been able to get out of the vehicle and raised the alarm, police have confirmed.
At this stage the man is still missing.
McLean said about five whitewater rafts had been searching the section of the river from the ford at Mansel Drive to the area around the Mahurangi Hope Church.
Drones had also been deployed and a section of Falls Road has been closed.
McLean said about 20 people were involved in the search, including firefighters, police officers and whitewater rafters.
Members of the public are advised to avoid the area, and people should pay close attention to weather warnings in place.
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