The portable water unit can supply fresh water in mass during severe weather events.

Lifeguards were cooking on the barbie when they had to rush to save a mum and three sons.

One is taken out of the water semi-conscious after three kids and an adult hit trouble.

Public rescue equipment to be installed at NZ beaches after tragic drownings.

'You just feel so wholeheartedly for these people that are going through this tragedy ...'

Emergency services were called to the scene about 6.15pm.

Police said further information would be released when they're in a position to do so.

Sixty-one lives have been lost in water-related incidents in New Zealand this year.

Extensive searches for the NZ man and his best friend were called off after three days.

Twenty lifeguards trained for summer, and 90 more qualified to assist at Waimārama.

Jordan Adams had been drinking with workmates when he jumped into a fast-flowing river.

Police responded to the scene after reports the man got into trouble in the river.

Kiwa Pools to raise entry fee as 53% prefer higher charges over lower rates.

The swimmer was “in serious distress” but managed to grab hold of the flotation device.

Waikato Regional Council’s new $230,00 vessel, Tūtaia, has been launched in Whitianga.

Nestled on a hillside at Northland's Lake Edwin sits an iconic piece of New Zealand history ready to open this weekend. Video / Blackhawk Film Production

Northland's drowning toll is already high – so what's being done to educate people?

Two of the injured were taken to hospital.

Emergency services are responding to a water incident in Huia after a boat capsize. Video / NZ Herald

Rescuers were seen combing the area on jetskis and in boats.

Potentially unsafe levels of e-coli bacteria were detected on Thursday.

Coastguard, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and local fishing/boating clubs have teamed up to deliver nationwide bar awareness. Video / Coastguard New Zealand

A new cell tower for Mahia Peninsula would cost about $1.5 million.

This morning, there was a very high illness risk for anyone swimming at the beach.

The death will be referred to the coroner.

It has been 36 hours since the man was swept off the rocks while collecting shellfish.

Inside the Westpac rescue helicopter with the NZ Herald. Video / George Heard

Last night, Papakura Coastguard volunteers along with Titirangi Volunteer Coastguard were paged at midnight to assist in the search for a fisherman reported missing off the rocks.

Survey reveals aquifer depths of 5m-48m, raising concerns about future water availability.

The body was recovered by the Police National Dive Squad.