Two quick-thinking line workers have been hailed as heroes after they saved a woman trapped in her sinking car amid rising floodwaters south of Rotorua.
With roads across the country affected by heavy rain, police are urging all drivers to take care, saying this incident shows "how quickly things can go wrong".
According to police, a woman called 111 at around 1pm, reporting she was stuck in her car on a flooded section of Waikaukau Road in Ngakuru.
As her car sunk into deeper waters and began flooding, the panicked driver told the 111 operator that the water was up to her chest and still rising.
With the woman still on the line, police deployed units, a helicopter, and a swift water rescue team to the scene. But before they could arrive, a nearby lines crew witnessed the unfolding emergency and sprang into action.
"The two workers jumped into the water and smashed the window to pull the driver to safety," a police spokesperson said.
"Minutes later, the driver was safe, but her vehicle was submerged to its roof - a short distance from where the road dipped into the water."
Acting Sergeant Kyra Steiner has praised the selfless acts of the line workers.
“We cannot thank those rescuers enough,” she said.
“They likely saved a life today and a family’s loved one gets to come home tonight. Had they not been there, it quickly could have gone the other way.
"Myself and other officers who attended, as well as the woman they rescued, would like to say a massive thank you to those workers for their efforts today.
"They were very humble and downplayed their efforts when retelling the story. They put themselves at risk to save a stranger who will be forever grateful."
The crash happened around 17km south of Rotorua.
Sergeant Steiner continued with a warning to drivers about floodwaters.
"Our message to drivers is take it easy in bad weather, and don’t take unnecessary risks – if the road is submerged, don’t drive through the water unless you’re absolutely certain that you can make it through," she said.
"If the water is fast-flowing, you’re best to find another route or wait for it to recede."
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