A spokersperson said the woman is believed to be Michaela Leger, 29, of Ōtaki.
“Despite an extensive search by air, land and sea, we have not yet located Michaela or the yellow two-person kayak she was in,” they said.
“Police are extremely concerned for Michaela and are working to support her whānau. We know there will be lots of people out and about at beaches and in the water around the region today, and we’re asking people to keep an eye out."
Police have released a photo of the woman with the yellow kayak.
Yesterday, they revealed that Leger allegedly stole the kayak from a Raumati property and was seen entering the water at Raumati Beach in it about 8pm on Saturday.
She was wearing a long-sleeved red top and grey track pants, and carrying a white and pink bag.
The person who reported the incident to police lost sight of the woman on the kayak about 8.30pm.
“Police would like to thank our various search and rescue partners for their work so far to locate Michaela, including LandSar, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving NZ, the Department of Conservation, and the Royal New Zealand Airforce."
Anyone who had information was asked to contact police via 105 and quote file number 231022/0452.
