Two lines company workers saved a motorist trapped in chest-deep rising floodwaters south of Rotorua.
The driver called emergency services about 1pm on Tuesday saying she was stuck inside her car on a flooded patch on Waikaukau Rd at Ngakuru.
"The vehicle floated into deeper water and then started sinking," police said in a statement.
"The driver was unable to open the doors or windows and told the police emergency communicator that the water was up to her chest and still rising.
"The call taker stayed on the line with the woman as units, a helicopter and swift water rescue team were deployed."
Thankfully, a lines crew saw the incident unfold and came to the driver's aid.
Two workers jumped into the water and smashed the window to pull the driver to safety.
While the driver was safe, within minutes her vehicle was submerged to its roof a short distance from where the road dipped into the water.
"We cannot thank those rescuers enough," Acting Sergeant Kyra Steiner said, praising the workers' heroic efforts.
"They likely saved a life today and a family's loved one gets to come home tonight. Had they not been there, it quickly could have gone the other way.
"Myself and other officers who attended, as well as the woman they rescued, would like to say a massive thank you to those workers for their efforts today."
Sgt Steiner said the workers were "very humble and downplayed their efforts when retelling the story".
"They put themselves at risk to save a stranger who will be forever grateful."
With a number of roads across the country affected by heavy rainfall, police urged all drivers to take care, saying this incident shows how quickly things can go wrong.
"Our message to drivers is take it easy in bad weather, and don't take unnecessary risks - if the road is submerged, don't drive through the water unless you're absolutely certain that you can make it through," Sgt Steiner said.
"If the water is fast-flowing, you're best to find another route or wait for it to recede."
