Teen pulled from a rip at Karekare beach has died

Emergency services were called to Karekare Beach, on the Waitakere coast, about midday today. Photo / Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

A teenage girl has died after getting into trouble at a West Auckland beach.

A police spokesperson said a group of four people were reported to be in trouble after being stuck in a rip shortly after midday.

Three of the people managed to make it back to shore. The fourth was rescued by lifeguards and treated by Auckland Rescue Helicopters crew, a spokesman said.

A St John spokesperson confirmed two ambulances, a first response unit and a rapid response unit were called to an incident in the water at Karekare Beach, south of Piha, about 12.12pm today.

Two Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopters also attended.

The teen was flown to Auckland's Starship hospital in a critical condition but died.

The remaining three were assessed by St John staff. One person was in a serious condition while the other two were in moderate condition.

They did not need to be choppered to hospital.

Fire and Emergency northern shift manager Craig Dally said firefighters had helped with first aid.