Two dead after plane crashes in Northland

Police have confirmed that two people have died following a crash involving a small plane at Ruawai in Kaipara District this afternoon.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 12.15pm.

The scene is being examined by the Serious Crash Unit and the crash will be referred to the Civil Aviation Authority and the Coroner.

Witnesses reported seeing debris fly off the northward-bound plane about a kilometre before it plunged into a paddock alongside the Northern Wairoa River.

Police and emergency services are on-site.