A Kawakawa farmer using his trusty tractor has rescued drivers after they trapped by flood waters during the storm that hit Northland last night.
Senior Sergeant Peter Robinson came across two cars stranded by flood waters at the bottom of Lemon's Hill on State Highway 11, Kawakawa, at 6am today.
The drivers of both cars were trapped by the flood. At the same time local farmer Harry Shepherd was driving his tractor on his way to move some cows. Mr Robinson enlisted the help of Mr Shepherd to rescue the trapped motorists.
Mr Robinson climbed into the front end loader of the tractor and Mr Shepherd drove slowly towards the cars through the floodwaters.
By this time the water was about one metre deep and rising. The current was moving quite quickly, so urgent action was needed to get the people out.