United by a desire to help after river tragedy

Empty kayaks and used Emergency tape lie on the ground near the ford that crosses Mangatepopo River near Turangi. Photo / Sarah Ivey

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They came from Wanganui, Turangi and Taupo.

Some were police, some rescue experts, others were from the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre, or were volunteers.

All were desperate to find the missing students, who were on the final day of an adventure holiday from their school in Auckland.

The Mangatepopo River was fast flowing and murky as rain continued to pour down early today.

The water was still about knee deep at midnight, much deeper than normal but considerably lower then when the flash flood hit in the afternoon, sweeping the group downstream.

About 20 police, civilians and outdoor pursuits centre staff were given regular briefings as they waited for their next turn in the search.

At one point, they passed around a thermos of hot coffee.

About a kilometre away, by the river, four search and rescue staff in high reflective gear and headlights took their shift scouring the river bank.

Bright yellow and orange kayaks scattered along the river bank were a reminder why everyone was here - and why they would stay as long as needed.