Tractor, driver pulled to safety on river

Firefighters rescued a man who was caught on his tractor in floodwaters yesterday morning.

A man and his tractor had to be rescued after both encountered trouble trying to cross a flooded ford.

The drama happened on Windust Rd in Mangonui about 9.45am yesterday.

Firefighters from Mangonui rushed to the scene and discovered one of the tractor's wheels had slid off the concrete ford.

Mangonui fire station manager, Billy Whitehorn, said the tractor managed to stay upright and the driver stood on it while waiting for help to arrive.

He said firefighters threw a rope for the driver to catch and he was pulled through the flood waters to safety.

He was not injured.

"He got too far to one side. After we helped him out, he left his tractor there until the water receded. Another tractor was on its way to pull that tractor out as we were leaving the area," Mr Whitehorn said.

He said people should avoid crossing flooded rivers and streams as the outcome could be serious.