Search widened for man missing in Central Otago

Police have widened the search for a 28-year-old believed to have been swept away in a Central Otago river two days ago.

Paul William Wilson, 28, of Roxburgh, disappeared on Wednesday afternoon after he went to the Clutha River near the Talla Burn power station to collect water samples.

A helicopter swept the area for four hours this morning while the police dive squad and a jetboat scoured the water.

"The Talla Burn stream has also been re-checked today and land searchers have explored caves on the face above the stream as well as other areas above the stream," said Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, who is in charge of the search effort.

The search area had since been widened to include the approximately 80km length of the Clutha River, Mr Shaw said.

"We are now moving to a more expansive search area, to include wider shoreline and river areas."

About 30 people were involved in the search today, including Mr Wilson's family and friends.

The local community had continued to show huge support for the search effort, Mr Shaw said.

The police dive squad had been stood down, but may be re-called at short notice. The search will continue tomorrow.

Mr Wilson's uncle, Dennis Kirkpatrick, described his nephew as an easy-going perfectionist with lots of potential.

"Paul ... was quite a placid chap who liked to make sure everything was right," he told the Otago Daily Times.

- NZPA