A man has been rescued in waters near the New Brighton pier.

A surf life-saving boat was called in to rescued the person who was then taken to the Sumner Lifeboat Station in Scarborough.

A police spokeswoman confirmed police were responding to an incident but other information was immediately available.

Eyewitness said CPR was being performed on the man.

Multiple St John ambulances crews were called to the scenes at both Scarborough and New Brighton, including a rapid respond unit and police officers.

He’s been rushed to Christchurch hospital in critical condition.