Search continues for driver swept away trying to cross Mahurangi River

Police are likely to resume their search after a man was swept away by water at Mahurangi River near Walkworth.

Fire and Emergency were called to the rescue at a river crossing on Falls Road - near the intersection with Woodcocks Road - at about 7.51am on Wednesday.

The man, in his 40s from the wider Mahurangi community, and his vehicle were washed out while trying to cross a ford on the river.

Police night shift staff conducted checks in the area overnight, but have been unable to locate the man.

A police search and rescue will redeploy to the area today once water levels have subsided and it was safe to continue searching.

An eagle helicopter was also expected to do a flyover of the river this morning.

Police were in contact with the man's family.

"We acknowledge they must be going through a very uncertain and upsetting time while he remains missing," Waitematā North Police senior sergeant Carl Fowlie said.

"Our thoughts are with them."

On Thursday, a resident of the area said the crossing could be dangerous.

"When people go to drive straight, but it's got a curve in the bridge, in the ford, that's what gets you into danger - because the wheels go off one side, then the flow of the water will just carry them away," Dawn Ferguson said.

Ferguson said she was devastated to hear what happened.

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown also said he was alarmed to hear of the disappearance.

About 20 people were involved in the search on Wednesday, including firefighters, police officers and whitewater rafters.

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