A search is underway for two friends in a missing microlight on the East Coast.
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) said the pair left the Wairoa Aerodrome around 3.15am today but did not return.
Another friend at the aerodrome called for help about 4.40am.
RCCNZ said weather conditions were unfavourable with heavy showers, reports of lightning, and patches of fog.
A rescue helicopter and a police search and rescue team began looking for the pair at daybreak.
RCCNZ said it understood that both were qualified microlight pilots and the passenger also worked as an instructor.
No emergency beacon had been activated.
