The search for Gisborne local Joseph Ahuriri has moved underground as scientists join the team to help find the last person who went missing during Cyclone Gabrielle.
It has been almost three months since the 40-year-old father of eight was reported missing around the same time Cyclone Gabrielle brought deadly flooding to the region. However, police believe his disappearance is not cyclone-related.
CCTV last caught Ahuriri filling up his white Toyota Hilux at the Waitomo Fuel Stop at Bay View, near Napier, on the same morning Cyclone Gabrielle struck on February 14.
In March, Navy divers were brought in to scour the coastline near the Esk Valley.
But despite extensive land and water searches, there has been no trace of Ahuriri or his ute.
Now police are taking the search underground, working with GNS Science which is supplying equipment that will allow them to look "below the silt level".
A drone with a magnetometer attached will be deployed to an area of interest north of Napier over the next couple of weeks, a police spokesperson said in a statement.
The equipment should be able to define large submerged metallic objects and provide possible locations for further investigation.
The spokesperson said police have regularly remained in contact with Ahuriri's family and have kept them up to date with the investigation.
"Police continue to work hard to locate Joseph and appreciate the assistance from people who have come forward with information and CCTV footage," the spokesperson said.
"Anyone who has information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Police by calling 105 or going online to 105.police.govt.nz using 'Update Report' and referencing file number 230225/2804."
