Woman killed by falling rocks

A woman whose body was found on the beach under cliffs at Rothesay Bay, on Auckland's North Shore, today was hit by falling rocks, police say.

It was initially thought the 40-year-old had fallen from the cliffs while walking her two dogs but police had since established she was hit by rocks.

"The death is not suspicious but members of the public need to be aware of the dangers of rocks falling in the area," a police spokesman said.

Auckland Council manager Ian McCormack said engineers had checked the area, which was subject to ongoing erosion.

"They recommend that people stay away from the base of the cliff as precaution. They have also placed signage in the area to warn the public," he said.

The woman's name had not been released as next of kin were being notified.