There is a large blaze burning at a landfill south of Whangarei.
Fire and Emergency were called to the Puwera Landfill at 2:32pm on Saturday after receiving multiple calls about smoke in the vicinity.
The inferno is currently a third-alarm rubbish fire, with brigades from Portland, Whangarei, Marsden Point and Onerahi attending.
Locals have been told to avoid the area and keep their doors and windows closed.
The landfill is New Zealand's newest and is 84 hectares.
Photos show a plume of smoke rising into the air. New Zealand First MP Jenny Marcroft said there is a "fair bit of smoke".
