The Waioweka River. Photo / Mike ScottAn operation to locate a man unaccounted for following a water-related incident in Ōpōtiki continues today. Police were called to the Waioweka River at around 5.30pm on Friday after a report a man had fallen off his boat and was swept downstream. A rescue helicopter and private helicopters were also involved in the search, as well as local jet boat operators. “Sadly, at this stage, the man remains outstanding,” Eastern Bay of Plenty Police Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said today.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 25, 2026 03:12 UTC