Whangarei Harbour.
Photo: Northern Lawyer / Tania Whyte

The search for an 83-year-old missing from Whangarei Harbor since Saturday is intensifying.

The search is focusing on the area around Onerahi, where the man bathed daily, and across Waikaraka to One Tree Point on the other side of the harbour.

A coastguard boat and plane were joined today by volunteers and the police Eagle helicopter, Detective Sergeant Paul Overton said.

Concern about the man’s disappearance is growing, he said.

Police said he usually wore a wetsuit and pink swimming cap and had not been seen since Saturday evening. He was reported missing on Monday.

An extensive search was undertaken on Tuesday, involving search and rescue, the coastguard and local surf lifesaving clubs.

LandSAR Far North plans to join the search on Wednesday.

In a statement released on Tuesday, police said: “If you have seen anything or have any information that could help us with our enquiries, please update us online now or call 105.

“Please use reference number 241021/1742.”

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