A rāhui has been placed over the 'dangerous” beach where a mass rescue of a family of seven unfolded on Wednesday.

But a 15-year-old boy still remains unaccounted for, police say in an updated statement.

It comes after a second day of search efforts for the missing teenager.

A number of people, services and resources had been involved in the search, accompanied by a fixed wing aircraft, says Acting Senior Sergeant for Whangamatā Police, Will Hamilton. They were not successful.

'Unfortunately, we have yet to find the missing person.

'A rāhui has been placed on the area and this will be communicated through local channels.”

A family of seven were swimming at Opoutere beach, north of Whangamatā on Wednesday morning.

Police and emergency services were alerted to a group of people in trouble in the water at 11.25am and a mass rescue operation took place.

At the time of the ordeal six members of the family were pulled from the water.

A person believed to be the father was pulled from the water but could not be revived despite crews doing CPR, says Fire and Emergency group manager Shane Bromley.

The 15-year-old family member still missing is the son of the deceased.

'The search area is extensive and complex. Everyone involved is focused on bringing this person home,” Hamilton says.

'The search has been paused for the day and will resume this morning.

'Our thoughts are with the whānau at this difficult time.”

One of those rescued was a male in his teens, according to Philips Search and Rescue Trust.

The teen was transported to Waikato Hospital in a critical condition via the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter for further treatment.

Three other people suffered minor injuries.

Another person in a moderate condition was transported by road to Thames Hospital.

Police are asking for any items of interest found on the coastline to be handed into Whangamatā Police station.

-Te Aorewa Rolleston/Stuff.