Two people have been "successfully recovered" from the water after being reported missing at Canterbury's Waikuku Beach this evening.
A multiple agency operation was launched around 6.30pm after a report of two people being unaccounted for.
"Two people have been successfully recovered from the water by surf lifeguards and an RWC," Surf Life Saving NZ said in an update.
Police said the pair were "brought to shore to be checked over by St John".
Hato Hone St John earlier said they were alerted to the incident at 6.31pm and responded with two transporting ambulances, one critical care unit, one operations manager, and a water-rescue helicopter.
Fire and Emergency NZ confirmed crews from Rangiora and Woodend were also in attendance.
The Coastguard and Surf Life Saving NZ were providing assistance. Surf Life Saving said it responded with a total of eight lifeguards and two rescue watercraft out on the water.
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