Fire and Emergency crews are at the scene of what was a "tornado" in Katikati.

They were alerted to the tornado at about 4.50pm, according to Fire and Emergency northern communications shift manager Simon Lyford.

"Crews are going back to assist with putting tarpaulins on some properties. We had two trucks go and remove some debris.

"There was no major damage to houses, just trees.

"There were some branches down."

Simon also says there was some damage to a nearby power line, but can't say whether it was a direct result of the tornado.

"We're not sure if it was from the wind or some other debris."

A SunLive reader says there may have been some damage to poles and trees at a kiwifruit orchard.

"It's a bit of a mess," says the reader.