A 14-year-old boy swam for his life in Lake Taupō after a boat fire. A 14-year-old boy swam for his life in Lake Taupō after a boat fire. Photo / Libby Kirkby-McLeod, RNZBy RNZA teenager was left swimming for his life in Lake Taupō while rescue helicopter calls were delayed by police, RNZ has learned. Police stood down a rescue helicopter crew that had rapidly assembled after a burning boat was spotted in Lake Taupō on Sunday evening. The crew quickly spotted a 14-year-old boy who had leapt from the boat and threw him a life-ring.

Source: New Zealand Herald December 24, 2025 05:16 UTC