Norm Hewitt in 'agony' for brother

Former All Black Norm Hewitt yesterday spoke of his agony over losing older brother Robert, as a large search team continued to look for the former Navy diver who disappeared off Mana Island, near Porirua.

Hewitt last night joined in the search for Robert Hohepa Hewitt, 38, of Palmerston North, who failed to surface from a dive on Sunday.

Robert Hewitt was one of eight divers on a charter trip to Mana.

Norm Hewitt said the family were grieving for his brother. "Robert being the eldest son of the family, you can understand that Mum and Dad - Russell and Mabel - are very distraught over the news."

Hewitt said he was in Taupo with his family when told the news late on Sunday afternoon.

Whanau had gone to the family marae to offer comfort and prayers.

Hewitt said his brother was a loving son and amazing brother to four siblings, and a good father to his three children, aged 14, 13 and 6.

"We hope that Robert is still with us ... but as every hour passes our main focus is to retrieve Robert and take him home. "It's quite surreal as we look at the sea ... We believe that Tangaroa, God of the Sea, and his children, will give Robert back to us."

Police spokesman Sergeant Bruce Johnson said Robert Hewitt entered the water alone at 1.10pm on Sunday. His diving buddy had returned to the boat with sore ears.

Mr Hewitt had told fellow divers he would take a compass bearing along the bottom and surface at Mana Island, 200m away.

- NZPA