Police have expanded their search area and are employing sonar to help find a man missing - presumed drowned - in Lake Rotoiti.
A rahui remains in place over a small part of Lake Rotoiti at Otaramarae as the search continues for a 48-year-old Auckland man who is presumed drowned after jumping off a boat on the lake on Wednesday about 2pm.
The man, described by his brother as a strong swimmer, jumped off a boat to retrieve his hat when it blew off.
His lifejacket came off and he drifted away from the boat, where his partner and 9-year-old son were unable to get to him.
National operations manager Rotorua district headquarters, Inspector Kevin Taylor, said police dive squad members were still searching the lake and had brought in sonar equipment to help.