Police have released a photo of nine-year-old Emily Branje, who was swept into the water at the Hokitika River mouth on Thursday.
Emergency services were called to the river at 9:45am on Thursday after Emily and a 69-year-old man were swept into the water while whitebaiting.
The man was recovered from the water but Emily was not and the search for her continues. Emily's family has asked for privacy while they come to terms with what has happened.
"We are in shock and grief after receiving the news yesterday about our precious only child, Emily," they said in a statement.
"Emily had been spending school holidays with extended family in Hokitika."
A Givealittle has been set up to support the family.
Newshub.
