Police are appealing for the public's help locating a man and woman who jumped into a river while fleeing police near Ōpōtiki early yesterday morning.
The driver ran a red light in the Wainui area at around 3.45am on Sunday and failed to stop when signalled by police.
The vehicle came to a stop after road spikes were deployed about 10km from Ōpōtiki shortly after 4am.
The car came to a stop down Snell Rd by the Ōtara River.
"They subsequently entered the river, and extensive search efforts have been ongoing ever since," Inspector Phil Gillbanks said.
While the pair were initially believed to be two men, police confirmed this afternoon the missing pair were an adult man and woman.
"It is understood the male may have made contact with associates and family members; however, his welfare has not been independently confirmed. Police are still seeking both individuals to ensure they are safe and well," Gillbanks said.
"Our primary concern remains the welfare of these two people. We are appealing directly to them, and to anyone who knows them, has spoken with them, or may have assisted them since Saturday morning, to contact police immediately."
Gillbanks said police, including specialist search teams, have carried out aerial and ground-based searches on both sides of the river and along the coastline. Search efforts have also involved dogs, New Zealand LandSAR partners and Coastguard Ōpōtiki. The Police National Dive Squad are travelling to Ōpōtiki to assist in the operation.
Gillbanks said police were particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have seen the pair after they entered the river, provided them with transport, shelter, or assistance, or has had any contact with them since.
"If you are one of the people we are seeking, or if you know where they are, please do the right thing and get in touch with us. Even a brief contact to confirm they are safe could significantly assist our efforts and ensure valuable search resources are directed appropriately."
Anyone with urgent information has been urged to call 111. Information that may assist police can be reported via 105.
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