As searchers tried desperately to find diver Robbie Farquhar, his two young children were on the beach watching and waiting for their dad to come home.

Three people drowned in New Zealand waters this official Christmas holiday period - between 4pm Christmas Eve and 6am today.

Two 12-year-old cousins who have won official praise for their bravery are to meet the man they saved from drowning.

For the past five years, on average, 10 people have drowned in New Zealand waters over the official Christmas holiday period. Water Safety New Zealand wants this dropped to zero.

A 15-year-old Christchurch schoolboy drowned when his family misread a sign, assuming that because it showed a person swimming it meant the river was safe.

A "brave'' surfer who risked his life to save swimmers dragged out to sea was forced to let go of a young man to save the man's girlfriend.

Boaties need to take responsibility to prevent more deaths at sea and remember what they are risking, a water safety expert says.

Tourist-pulling Hot Water Beach has been revealed as New Zealand's most treacherous of the summer.

Experts advise baby steps in getting kids used to water, writes Susan Edmunds.