Driver swept away into Mahurangi River still missing

Emergency crews spent the day scouring the Mahurangi River north of Auckland for any signs of a man swept away earlier this week.

The 47-year-old Kiribati man was last seen on Wednesday when he and his vehicle were washed away near Falls Road in Warkworth.

The man's nephew was able to escape and sound the alarm.

On Friday, emergency crews made up of about 30 people resumed their search.

A number of people wearing hi-viz were wandering the banks of the river Friday morning, searching through dense bush and debris left by the storm.

Drones were also deployed during the day. A large drone flew high above the river while a smaller drone flew close to the bank.

Later, a fire and Emergency rescue raft was seen making its way down the river.

Those on board were searching under large piles of branches and detritus left behind by this week's earlier severe weather.

Police said additional resources had been deployed to the area.

Senior sergeant Carl Fowlie said 17 Land Search and Rescue staff as well as the water rescue crew from Fire and Emergency were assisting in the search.

"Police is continuing to support the man's family through this difficult time," Fowlie said.

"We thank all other agencies who have been called upon in recent days for their assistance."

Fowlie said everyone involved in the search operation was focused on finding the man.

On Friday evening police said they will continue to monitor conditions over the coming days and deploy resource accordingly.

Meanwhile, the wife of the missing man, who RNZ agreed not to name, told a reporter on Thursday she was still holding out hope her husband was alive.

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