A group’s fishing trip ended in the cold and dark, but fortunately a rescue effort meant it wasn’t a tragedy.

Four people had set out to fish off the rocks at Piapia Bay in the Far North on Monday.

Detective Sergeant Paul Overton, Northland Police Search and Rescue lead, says after finishing their outing, the group headed back to the main road via an alternative route in the afternoon.

“Unfortunately, the group have got lost and stranded on a cliff edge near Wainui Bay; the sun had set, and darkness had set in.

Police are appealing for information following a distressing incident at a Pōkeno property last week.

Investigations are continuing after 18 pet goats were shot dead on a property on Ridge Road overnight on Monday 13 April.

Counties Manukau South Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson, says the animals were inhumanly shot in a fenced paddock and the carcasses were all left on site.

“We are appealing to the public for any information in relation to this incident.