The family of a kayaker missing since Thursday on the east coast of the Far North has pledged to keep searching until the beloved man is brought home.
They say the Kaitāia man failed to return home after heading out for a kayak from Aurere in Doubtless Bay, about 7pm.
Since then, the New Zealand Royal Navy and members of the National Police Dive Squad have been called in to help find the experienced fisherman. They were the latest to join the mammoth search efforts that involve Police Search and Rescue (SAR), LandSAR volunteers, Far North Surf Rescue, Karikari Fire and Emergency Services, and Far North Radio.
Coastguard Whangaroa also spent more than 14 hours scouring at times rough seas over the weekend as they and local marae and community groups tried to find the missing kayaker.
But whānau say their loved one is yet to be returned by Tangaroa, god of the sea.