A rāhui has been put in place for a man who jumped into the harbour near Ōhope while fleeing police on Wednesday evening.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Nicky Cooney, said police were called to a case of family harm at Ōhope Beach about 6pm.
When officers arrived, a 48-year-old Whakatāne man jumped into the harbour.
Cooney said the officers tried to persuade him to come out of the water but he refused.
When the man started swimming into the outgoing tide, members of the public with paddleboards, kayaks and a boat and went to help, but he could not be found.
Coastguard and rescue helicopters were then deployed but there was no sign of him.
The search for the man continued today but was stood down about 5.30pm.
Police have said the search will continue on Friday morning and the rāhui iwi had put in place would continue until further notice.
