Police are issuing a reminder on water safety after two people have died in two separate water-related incidents across the Eastern District in the last 24 hours.

A man died following an incident off Wainuiorangi Road in Mahia at around 9:20pm yesterday.

Today, a woman was pulled from the water unresponsive near Whangara Road, Okitu at around 11:40am.

Both deaths will be referred to the Coroner.

Eastern District Commander, Superintendent Jeanette Park says water safety is often overlooked by most, but extremely important especially at this time of the year.

Police have a visible presence in the Highbury suburb of Palmerston North, as officers respond to a serious incident.

Police were called to the address on Pioneer Highway about 3.15pm.

Cordons are in place around Pioneer Highway, between Cardiff Street and Botanical Road. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

Further information will be provided when it becomes available.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre