"We were able to see them clearly... they were all wearing lifejackets, they all stayed together with the vessel and used a locator beacon and also used the VHF radio.
"They were pleased to see us," he said.
Henry said the arms between the waka and the outrigger appeared to have broken, but the vessel did not sink and was towed to shore.
"The fact that they did everything by the book and perfectly right means there are families in Northland tonight who are going to be very relieved, rather than families in Northland tonight who are going to be brokenhearted."
The six paddlers were checked over by an ambulance crew, and there were no major injuries.
Lotto luck in North
A ticket sold in Northland was one of 19 to win second division. Each of the lucky lotto players won $22,221 after the balls rolled out on Saturday night.
The lucky Northland ticket was sold by Tony's Stationery & Lotto in Maungaturoto.
Two players also won Powerball Second Division, taking their total winnings to $37,102. The numbers were 2, 4, 10, 17,29, 31 bonus 5 and Powerball 1.
Mullet finale looms
The Bald Angels' Summer of the Mullet fundraising campaign is culminating with an event in Kerikeri on February 23.
Northland All Black Jack Goodhue will be at the Mullet in the Park event at the ASB Sports Complex, where the fate of his famous locks will be decided by the public.
Goodhue's mullet could be shaved off or dyed a different colour for a good cause. He and the Bald Angels hope to raise $100,000 for the Far North's vulnerable youth.
Goodhue will be attending the free family event and judging the prettiest, longest, oldest and the maddest mullets of them all.
Visit www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/jack-goodhue or www.baldangels.org.nz to donate or for more information.
