Two men had to be winched from the Firth Of Thames tonight after their dinghy flipped over in rough seas.
Coastguard northern region and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter were called to the site - just off Waharau Regional Park - about 6.30pm when members of the public spotted they were in trouble.
Emergency services were on hand as the men were winched to safety to Waihihi Bay, a coastguard spokesman said.
It is understood the men, who were wearing life jackets, were in the water for almost an hour.