Mt Maunganui hit by mini-tornado

Mt Maunganui residents, in the Bay of Plenty, were buffeted by what was thought to be a mini tornado this morning.

Station officer Lindsay Nicol of the Mt Maunganui fire service said about a dozen buildings were damaged during the incident just after 8.15am.

Residents described the wind as a "mini tornado" that was localised around the Seaspray Drive area, Mr Nicol said.

Most damage was minor, but one garage lost its roof.

"It ended up over the back fence and into the neighbour's property."

The MetService said the area probably experienced a tornado, but would need more information before saying anything conclusive.

- NZPA