A person has died during a diving incident on Pourerere Beach in central Hawke's Bay

Police were called to the scene just before nine o'clock last night.

They say they received a report concerning a person who had been in difficulty in the water.

Medical assistance was provided, but the person died at the scene.

Mana whenua placed a rahui from Pauanui Beach to Aramoana Beach, for five days from midday today.

The death will be referred to the coroner.