Police are continuing an urgent search for a woman who remains missing after two people entered the water at the Ōtara River mouth and Waioweka River mouth connection in Ōpōtiki on Sunday.
A 33-year-old man has been located and arrested in Gisborne as Police continue efforts to establish the woman’s whereabouts and confirm she is safe.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks said Police enquiries led them to a Gisborne address, where the man was arrested without incident.
He is assisting Police with enquiries into the woman’s disappearance.
“Our primary concern now is the welfare of the woman,” Gillbanks said.
“We are appealing directly to her, and anyone who knows her, has spoken with her, or may have assisted her since Sunday morning, to contact Police.”
Specialist search teams are continuing to operate in the Ōtara River and Waioweka River area, including water-based searches.
The operation has involved Police helicopters and drones, search dogs, New Zealand LandSAR and Coastguard Ōpōtiki.
The Police National Dive Squad is also assisting with the search today.
Gillbanks said Police remain in contact with the woman’s family and are providing regular updates on the operation.
Urgent information can be reported via 111, referencing job number P067829874.
Other information that may help locate the men can be reported via 105, referencing the same job number.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
The 33-year-old man is due to appear in Gisborne District Court today on multiple charges, including driving in a dangerous manner and failing to stop when followed by Police using red and blue flashing lights.
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