The search for a missing fisherman near Whakatāne is stretching into its fourth day after rescue efforts were unsuccessful on Tuesday.
Police said emergency services were advised of the missing man at 4pm on Sunday after he failed to return from a fishing trip, off the East Coast near Ōpōtiki, as expected.
Marine efforts by both Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne Coastguards were unsuccessful on Tuesday with fears Wednesday's weather might make the search more difficult. The Air Force was also not successful with its search on Tuesday.
Police said an assessment will now be undertaken of the search so far.
"Any further action will be dependant on the assessment and on the weather over the coming days," police said.
The search area stretches from Torere to Maketu and people are being asked to keep an eye out for certain items.
"Police continue to ask that members of the public who may be on the shoreline from Torere through to Maketu today to be vigilant and report any sighting of the following items of interest: a 100-litre white chilly bin, a red tote tank, wooden oars and a yellow life jacket."
The search for the missing fisherman has seen police, Coastguard, surf lifesaving, and air assets, including a plane and helicopter, all conducting an extensive marine and aerial search over the past two days.
Anyone who comes across any of the missing items is asked to contact police on 105 quoting file number 220418/0391.
