A swimmer has died in a Christmas Day tragedy in Northland.
Police said the body of a missing swimmer has been located in Bream Bay, near Waipū.
Police were advised at 10.10am today that a person had gotten into difficulty while swimming in the bay.Police Search and Rescue, Coastguard, a rescue helicopter and Ruakākā Surf Club lifeguards took part in the search operation.
However, police said, the body of the swimmer was located around midday in the water.
A local Kaumatua blessed the scene.The death will be referred to the Coroner.