Wild tornado-like storms in the Northland town of Mangawhai - have damaged property, sent furniture flying and caused two people to be taken to hospital

Fire and Emergency New Zealand says it received multiple calls around three this morning from people in the township and the surrounding area.

Fire crews extricated two patients with serious injuries from homes - and Hato Hone St John has taken them to hospitals in Auckland.

FENZ says it's continuing to assess the damage.

Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson says a lot of people are in Mangawhai for the long weekend.

He says he's heard stories of people's tents being uplifted at the campground and their goods scattered around.

Jepson says he feels for the people who were injured and their families - as it must be the most frightening thing to have that happen in the middle of the night.

Northpower's restored power to multiple homes - but Jepson says many around the village area could be down for a couple of days.