It can now be confirmed that the plane which crashed this afternoon in Lake Taupo was a skydiving plane from Skydive Taupo.
The aircraft encountered an emergency situation during the climb to altitude and as a result all of those on board, including the pilot, exited the aircraft by parachute.
There were 13 people on board made up of the pilot, six crew and six passengers. The six crew were due to tandem skydive with the six passengers and they evacuated the aircraft in tandem.
All 13 landed safely on the shore and were checked over by ambulance staff.
Victim Support has been notified and Skydive Taupo is also providing support to all of those involved.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) has opened an inquiry into the accident.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.