Family waits as search continues for man missing in Waioweka River

The family of a man swept away in the Waioweka River remain near the search area as efforts to locate him continue.

David Roe, 52, has been missing since Friday, January 23, after falling from a boat while crossing the river near the junction of Waiata Stream, near Ōpōtiki.

Police were called to the Waioweka River at around 5.30pm after receiving a report that a man had fallen from his boat and been swept downstream. The vessel was later located nearby.

Initial search efforts for the father-of-four involved helicopters and jet boats.

Inspector Nicky Cooney said a jet boat continued to be deployed daily, while the Police National Dive Squad had been unable to assist due to the river remaining swift and high.

A family member said the family had remained at their property in the Waioweka Gorge near where the incident occurred.

Road closures have restricted access to the area, leaving them largely isolated with limited communication.

The family member said Roe had been crossing the river by boat to return home for dinner.

David Roe has not been seen since January 23 after he fell from his boat and was swept away in the swollen Waioweka River. Photo / Givealittle

Damage to a nearby swing bridge meant river crossings by boat were necessary while building work was underway on the property, with vehicles and temporary accommodation located on the opposite side of the river.

Roe had been living in the area with his wife and youngest son since July last year and was familiar with the river.

He is well-known in the Bay of Plenty business community as the founder and inventor of Inversehair, a sub-zero cordless hairstyling tool developed as an alternative to heat styling.

A Givealittle page has been set up to support the family.

Police are asking that the community do not attempt to assist in the search of the river because of the treacherous conditions.

If anyone has any information to assist the search, they can call police on 105.