At about 1.30pm police were called to a incident at the Southport facility in Bluff where there were reports of a light truck having entered the water with unknown persons inside.
Local coast guard and divers were in the area and have responded immediately to render assistance.
The divers have located a single male occupant trapped inside the submerged vehicle. Police can confirm the occupant has died as a result of this incident.
Local emergency services are at the scene currently working on the incident, including recovery of the person and vehicle.
CIB and Serious Crash are in attendance. Worksafe NZ have also been advised of the incident.
Police have advised the family and are providing them with support.
ENDS
Released by Senior Sergeant Craig Dinnissen, Southern District Command Centre