Detective Sergeant Paul Overton said LandSar and Coastguard were stood down this evening, however the dive squad continued until dark and will start searching again in the morning.
“I’d like extend my thanks the agencies that have been involved in the search, as well as the locals in the area who have been amazing.
“They’ve brought us food, and shown so much care for the families involved in this.”
A community Facebook page said the two people on the boat had set off from Pataua.
The post thanked search and rescue teams for their efforts overnight.
“The night has been long and profoundly worrying for all the whānau,” it said.
It then confirmed the search resumed this morning and put out a call to all boaties and coasties along the nearby coastline.
“We Urgently Need Your Help,” the post said.
“We are calling upon our entire network.”
“If you have a boat: We urge all our whānau, friends, and friends of friends with a boat to please come and help us search.”
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