The whānau of a Kaitāia man described as a “good soul lost at sea” for nearly a week is raising funds to spur on the massive search efforts.
Johnny Latimer is yet to be found after he headed out on his kayak from Aurere at the southern end of Tokerau Beach in the Far North about 7pm last Thursday.
A large cohort of emergency services, including the New Zealand Royal Navy and members of the National Police Dive Squad, have been looking for the experienced fisherman ever since.
Police Search and Rescue (SAR), LandSAR volunteers, Far North Surf Rescue, Karikari Fire and Emergency Services, Coastguard Whangaroa and Northland Coastguard Air Patrol, as well as Far North Radio have helped comb the bay’s coastline and waters.