A pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in a Bay of Plenty paddock after experiencing engine troubles.
The pilot issued a mayday call to Tauranga Airport that the single-engine aircraft with two people on board was in trouble northwest of Tauranga about 10.45am
Tauranga Airport manager Ray Dumble said the pilot reported a rough-running engine. The police, fire service and coastguard were alerted.
He said the plane was heading towards Tauranga to Waihi and attempted to return to the airfield but, given the engine problems, the pilot decided to land in a paddock.
The pilot made the emergency landing at Athenree about 11am. No one was injured.