Daily physical searches for missing South Waikato father Tom Phillips and his three young children have been suspended.
Phillips and his children - eight-year-old Jayda Jin, six-year-old Maverick Callum-Phillips and five-year-old Ember Phillips - were last seen on Saturday September 11 at Marokopa.
For the past 12 days a team of searchers and members of the local community have been combing the inland and coastal areas of Marokopa and Kiritehere looking for the four, but they have not been found.
Waikato West Area Commander Will Loughrin said police have now met with their family to discuss how the search will be managed going forward.
"The family understands police remain committed to bringing their loved ones home however at this time the daily physical searches will be suspended and we will move into a 'reactive' phase," he said.
"This means police will be available to react to any new information as it comes to hand and initiate searching as required.
"The enquiry phase of the operation is still ongoing with our investigators continuing to follow-up information as it comes in."
Police are asking anyone who finds any items of interest, including clothing, on the coastline areas from as far north as Papanui Point to as far south as Waikawau Beach, to photograph it and contact police on 111.
"Police would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have put their time and energy, many on a voluntary basis, to help search for Tom and the children," Loughrin said.
"This includes Fire and Emergency NZ, Surf Life Saving NZ, LandSAR volunteers, Coastguard NZ, Maniapoto iwi, local community members, and others who have donated vehicles, food, and other resources.
"We would also remind anyone who is choosing to conduct their own ongoing searches to do so taking safety into consideration. Much of the coastline area is challenging and people should stay in sandy beach areas only."
