Search for man who fell into Manawatū river still continues

The search has resumed for a man still missing in the Manawatū River.

The police dive squad was involved in the search on Monday. Police said the search had finished for the day but would resume on Tuesday morning.

Inspector Ashley Gurney said emergency services were called about 1.30pm on Saturday, after a man walking his dog at Ahimate Park fell into the river.

The initial search involved police search and rescue staff, a Swift water rescue boat, kayaks, drones, a helicopter and volunteers.

Since then, the man's whānau from around the country had also joined in the search.

"For them, this is an incredibly personal and tragic event; we are doing what we can to support them and are grateful for their help," Gurney said.

The missing man was a serving member of the New Zealand Defence Force, which had also assisted with the search.

On Sunday, dive squad members scanned sections of the river using sonar, and an NZDF drone was used to provide aerial coverage of the river.

Conditions on the river had improved over the last two days, however no items of interest had been identified, Gurney said.

Rangitāne iwi placed a rāhui on Manawatū River, between where the Turitea Stream enters the Manawatū River and where the Oroua River enters the Manawatū River at Puketotara.

The rāhui was in place until further notice.