Plane hard landing in Rotorua

At approximately 1p.m. today a float plane experienced difficulties after taking off from Lake Rotorua. The pilot landed the plane back on the lake approximately 500 metres from shore. Some damage to the float structure was sustained.
Emergency services were notified and responded. The two passengers and the pilot remained on the plane and were quickly brought to shore by a nearby tour boat operator. No one was injured.
The plane is currently being towed back to shore and the Civil Aviation Authority have been notified.