Man dies in water-related incident at Omaio, Bay of Plenty

Omaio in the Ōpōtiki District in the Bay of Plenty, where a man has died after struggling in the water. Photo / Doug Sherring

A man has died after a water-related incident off the coast of Omaio in Bay of Plenty, police have confirmed.

Police responded to Omaio, in the Ōpōtiki District, after reports a man was struggling in the water, a police statement said.

The man was retrieved by members of the public and CPR was started before police arrived.

Emergency services arrived and continued CPR, however, efforts to resuscitate the man were unsuccessful and he died at the scene.

Inquiries into the incident were ongoing and his death will be referred to the coroner.

An earlier police statement said the incident was reported about 12.30pm.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said it responded to an incident in Omaio between Wharawhara and Miriwai Rds on SH35.

It received the report at 12.22pm and responded with one fire truck.

A Hato Hone St John spokesman said it sent a helicopter, rapid response unit, manager and ambulance.

St John was called at 12.20pm.

The death is the first water-related death this year.

As of yesterday,31/12 the provisional drowning toll for 2024 was 71, according to Water Safety NZ figures.

That’s 12 fewer than the 10-year average and 19 fewer than the previous year, although 2023’s toll included six drowning deaths that were due to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Last year’s toll includes several tragedies late last month, including the death of a snorkeller found unresponsive in the water at Northland’s Bland Bay at Whangaruru just after 12.30pm yesterday.

The body of Hikato Maaka was also found at a Bay of Plenty beach last weekend, following the 41-year-old’s death after jumping into Ōhiwa Harbour on Christmas Day.

Police have said the Whakatāne man was evading arrest at the time, but a family member has disputed this. The death has been referred to the coroner.

Mother of three Traci Te Paa drowned at Waimamaku Beach in Northland on Christmas Eve after saving her daughter and a nephew from a rip. Photo / Facebook

And on Christmas Eve, Wellington mum-of-three Traci Te Paa died after saving her daughter and a nephew from a rip at a remote Northland beach.

The 37-year-old died a hero after the youngsters became caught in a rip at Waimamaku Beach in the Far North District, friend Rena Hartley-Stretch said.

“She wouldn’t have even hesitated, just like any mum would. She would have just gone with her first instinct.”