Young man missing in Whitianga

An extensive search has resumed this morning for a man with a medical condition reported missing near a river at Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Cem (pronounced Jem) Erbay, 19, from Auckland, was reported missing about 5.30pm yesterday.

"He was last seen by friends after crossing the one-lane bridge on Wharekaho Rd at the end of Simpson's Beach in Whitianga about 4am," Constable Dave Pitchford said.

Search and rescue squads will extend the search to areas of farmland and the coastline today.

Mr Erbay has a pre-existing medical condition which is of concern to police and his family.

He is described as a 175cm tall, olive-skinned Caucasian of medium build with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved white T-shirt, jeans and might have been barefoot.

- NZPA