The parents of Jack Dixon, missing for more than a week in the sea at Mt Maunganui, have asked for people to keep searching for their son, who they desperately want to bring home.
The 5-year-old was swept out to sea last Wednesday while playing with his cousins on ShellyBeach near Mt Maunganui.
Despite exhaustive searches by police, surf life savers, Land Search and Rescue, helicopters, and many others, Jack has not been recovered.
His parents Karen Spargo and Wayne Dixon issued a statement this afternoon, saying the last week has been "extremely tough" for them and Jack's four sisters and extended family.
"We would once again like to say thank you to every single person who has reached out to us with your caring comments, gestures, thoughts, offers of support and donations.
" The selflessness and generosity of so many has enabled us to draw strength from you all in this difficult time.
"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and please know that we will be eternally grateful. And for those of you asking what more you can do: we would like you to please just keep searching and looking for our Jack".
The official search for Jack was scaled back earlier this week, however a smaller team are continuing to scour the waters and coastline.
