A Tongan mother in New Zealand has been remembered by her kāinga and friends as “the most helpful, caring and loving person” following her death this afternoon.
Police said the woman in her 40s has died following a water-related incident at Auckland’s Maraetai Beach this afternoon.
Emergency services were dispatched to the isolated location around 3.30pm.
A witness reportedly described hearing “lots of sirens driving through” and said paramedics appeared to be trying to resuscitate somebody.
“Attempts to resuscitate the woman were unsuccessful and she died at the scene.”
It is understood, Hato Hone St John sent an ambulance, rapid response unit and first response unit to the scene after being called at 3.17pm.
A rescue helicopter was also dispatched.
A Fire and Emergency NZ spokeswoman confirmed fire crews were helping Hato Hone St John with the incident, saying they were called at 3.20pm.
Meanwhile, the Tongan online community in New Zealand took to Facebook to express their shock at the fatal incident.
A commenter reported after attending the scene.
“We were there. We did everything to pull her out. The sea currents were coming so strong such a tragic loss condolences to her husband and babies who witnessed this tragedy”, the commenter wrote.
“I got to her son bringing him out of the hands of a young man who was struggling as well while my partner is trying to help the other man fighting the waves as he tried to hold her up”.
“Oh what a tragic loss I really feel for her children”, another wrote.
Kaniva News understand the woman is survived by her husband and four children.
