Police are urgently renewing an appeal for information that may help confirm the safety and whereabouts of two people who entered the Ōtara River in Ōpōtiki on Sunday morning and have not yet been located.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks said Police can now confirm the missing pair are an adult male and an adult female, rather than two males as initially believed.
"It is understood the male may have made contact with associates and family members; however, his welfare has not been independently confirmed. Police are still seeking both individuals to ensure they are safe and well.
"Our primary concern remains the welfare of these two people. We are appealing directly to them, and to anyone who knows them, has spoken with them, or may have assisted them since Sunday morning, to contact Police immediately."
The pair fled from a vehicle on foot on Snell Road, near the Ōtara River, Ōpōtiki shortly after 4am on Sunday after earlier failing to stop for Police. They subsequently entered the river, and extensive search efforts have been ongoing ever since.
Police, including specialist search teams, have conducted aerial and ground-based searches on both sides of the river and along the coastline. Search efforts have also involved dogs, New Zealand LandSAR partners and Coastguard Ōpōtiki. The Police National Dive Squad are travelling to Ōpōtiki to assist in the operation.
Inspector Gillbanks said Police are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen the pair after they entered the river, provided them with transport, shelter, or assistance, or has had any contact with them since.
"If you are one of the people we are seeking, or if you know where they are, please do the right thing and get in touch with us. Even a brief contact to confirm they are safe could significantly assist our efforts and ensure valuable search resources are directed appropriately."
Anyone with urgent information should call 111 and quote job number P067829874.
Information that may assist Police can also be reported via 105, referencing the same job number.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.