A person has died after being swept out to sea at Auckland's Bethells Beach on New Year's Eve.
Police said in a statement on Monday evening that emergency services responded to reports that four people had been swept out to sea at around 5:40pm on Sunday.
Crews from Surf Life Saving New Zealand retrieved three people from the water with minor injuries.
The fourth person was found by the Westpac Helicopter and retrieved by the Police launch Deodar and rushed to hospital.
"That person was transported to Auckland City Hospital by helicopter in a critical condition but has sadly since died," a police spokesperson has confirmed.
"Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time."
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
