Fire and Emergency NZ says a forest fire on Matakana Island near Tauranga has now been contained.
The fire has burnt through approximately 37 hectares of scrub and pine slash.
"We’ve had multiple crews, aircraft and heavy machinery working on containment today," Fire and Emergency NZ District Commander Jeff Maunder said.
"Most of the most flammable slash and light scrub has burnt now and, with the wind continuing to ease, we’re confident of holding the fire contained within its current perimeter."
Several Tauranga residents called 111 this afternoon due to smoke drifting across the harbour.
Smoke was affecting some Tauranga residents as it drifted over. (Source: 1News)
Fire crews will monitor the situation overnight.
"Helicopters with monsoon buckets, heavy machinery and fire crews will be back on the island in the morning to work on extinguishing the fire," Maunder said.
"Smoke from this vegetation fire has been drifting across to Tauranga and the coast. If anyone finds it is affecting their breathing, we ask them to stay indoors with the windows closed."
People are asked to stay away from the area and to avoid flying drones nearby.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) were first alerted to the blaze at 7.36pm yesterday evening.
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