Search resumes for diver missing off Makara coast

Police say the rugged coastline around Makara Beach is making their search for the 24-year-old tough work but they are confident of finding him alive.

Police still have hopes of finding a missing diver alive after he failed to return from an afternoon at Makara Beach yesterday.

Police have found several items believed to belong to the 24-year-old New Plymouth man, who was reported missing at 7pm last night when he didn't make contact with family after an afternoon free-diving alone off the beach.

The items are a blue spear gun, a yellow diver's float, and a yellow catch bag. His car has also been found.

Search teams including the Police National Dive Squad, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Coastguard and the Lady Elizabeth have all been scouring the coastline for him this morning.

The diver, who had been expected to return at around 4pm, had been in the water just off Makara Beach, between Wharehou Bay and Pipinui Point.

Some local boaties and members of the public are also helping in the search, under police supervision.

The weather is calm, which is providing favourable search conditions.

Police continue to welcome reports from people who saw the diver's movements yesterday, Inspector Neil Banks said.

The man was wearing a black camo wetsuit and is described as tall and athletic, with medium-length blond hair.

Banks said the man was visiting his partner, who lives in Wellington, and would go diving in that spot two or three times a week when he was visiting.

He has been diving for several years.

"Makara is a rugged piece of coastline. In terms of foot-searching it's very challenging," Banks said. "Our land search teams that have been out in the field today have had a jolly hard day's search."

Banks said police still "absolutely" hoped to find the man alive.

Anyone with information can call Wellington District Police on 04 381 2000.