A kayaker’s morning paddle through the upper reaches of Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour has ended tragically, despite a dramatic multi-agency rescue operation, after suffering a medical event on the water. 

Emergency services were called to an area offshore from Hobsonville Marina around 8.35am. 

Locals took to social media as the rescue operation unfolded and a Westpac rescue helicopter closed in over an area about 200m offshore. 

One resident in West Harbour captured a paramedic being lowered into the water next to a launch boat before it returned to shore, while the Police Eagle helicopter was seen hovering in the area. 

Witnesses told the Herald the kayaker had suffered a medical event, and the nearby launch had stepped in to help and take him onboard. 

The man received medical treatment on the private launch, but died, police said. 

The kayaker's medical event triggered a multi-agency operation, with help from a nearby launch. Photo / Dean Purcell 

Hato Hone St John said it sent an ambulance, a helicopter and a rapid response unit to the marina. 

The private launch had docked in the marina by 9.30am, with one of the Police Maritime Unit’s rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) rafted up alongside it. 

A Police Maritime Unit rafted up alongside the launch after it returned to Hobsonville Marina. Photo / Dean Purcell 

The police boat, Deodar, and Fire and Emergency NZ were also at the scene.