Police have reopened the track around the base of Mt Maunganui after an unsuccessful search for two missing people.
A police dog team searched the area for four and a-half hours for 5-year-old Jack Dixon, who was washed out to sea on October 1 and missing man Stephen Michael Tracey, 37, who was last seen on September 27.
"We are satisfied we have now completed a very thorough search of the area and there is nothing untoward," Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair said.
Mr Wright-St Clair said while the search for both Jack and Mr Tracey was suspended, police would actively work on any new information that came to light.
"We thank everyone for their patience while the search was undertaken and apologise for any inconvenience this caused."
A brief statement released last night by Jack's parents Wayne Dixon and Karen Spargo said:
"Not a day goes by where we aren't looking for our precious boy Jack, and we miss him terribly.
"Thank you once again to all who have, and who continue to support us during this tough time. To date, the support from family, friends and the wider community has helped us to survive these last 18 days, and all we ask is that you continue to be there for us, and that you continue to help us try and find our boy.
"Our thoughts are also with the families going through the similar experience as ours right now."
Family spokesperson Miranda Clark said the fact Jack had not been found was continuing to take its toll on the family, and they asked for privacy.
Ms Clark said there would be a private memorial service at some stage, but Jack's family were not ready to commit to one yet.
