Search continues for missing diver at Flat Point beach in Wairarapa

The missing man was one of a party of three people diving at Flat Point, Wairarapa.

Police are continuing to search for a missing diver off the coast of Wairarapa.

The 31-year-old man has been missing from Flat Point since yesterday when he got into difficulty in the water.

He had been diving with two others when he got into difficulty, disappeared, and hasn't been seen since.

Police were notified at 12.58pm, and a local helicopter was also used to search the area.

Sergeant Peter Rix said police were notified almost as soon as the man went missing, but haven't found him yet.

He said police were using as many search techniques as the weather will allow.

But weather conditions are limiting the police's options.

Since 6.30am today the search was being carried out by the helicopter, the Navy vessel HMNZS Otago, with a rigid hulled inflatable boat, and a local fishing boat.

Rix said the weather's not likely to improve for a couple of days, but when it does police will likely deploy the National Dive Squad.

Police are using this as a reminder for people to check the conditions before heading out on the water.

Rix said people need to make sure they plan properly before they take the risk of going into the water.

He said checking weather forecasts was especially important.