One diver has been confirmed dead and another one is still missing after they failed to resurface at Lake Pupuke on Auckland's North Shore this afternoon.
Inspector Matt Rogers said emergency services were called to the lake in Takapuna around 1.45pm after two divers were 10 minutes overdue to resurface.
A group of eight were diving in the lake, he said, however only five initially resurfaced.
One person was found and taken to North Shore Hospital in what ambulance staff reported as a "hypothermic" condition, but the other two could not be located.
Police have now confirmed that one body has been found.
St John's ambulance northern communications team leader James Ihimaera said Westpac Rescue Helicopter was assisting the search for the missing divers.
He believed the missing pair were part of an instructor-led dive group.
Police at the scene are now interviewing the other divers and searching for the missing diver.
Prior to today's incident, 67 people have drowned this year, a figure 23% higher than at the same point in 2010, Water Safety New Zealand said.
The lake is a popular spot for swimmers and divers, but it can be dangerous.
In November last year, 17-year-old Raphael Alualu died after failing to surface at Quarry Lake, near Lake Pupuke.
In January 2008, 20-year-old Tevaka Papa drowned in Lake Pupuke, despite being known as a strong swimmer.
In 2004, 20-year-old Sione Moala drowned in the Quarry Lake on New Years Day.
