The police Eagle helicopter, drones, boats, all-terrain vehicles and a plane have all been used in the search for missing Pukehina resident Ross Weir.

Police and Search and Rescue members have been conducting an intensive search for the missing 71-year-old.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks, the Bay of Plenty police search and rescue manager, said Weir went missing from his beachside home on Pukehina Parade, near Motunau Park, in the early hours of Wednesday.

“He has not been seen or heard from since. We again seek assistance from the public as efforts continue to locate Ross and return him to his family.

Ross Weir was reported missing from his Pukehina home on August 19.

“Search and rescue activities have focused on both land and water. At this stage, no evidence has been located that would assist in determining Ross’ whereabouts.”

Gillbanks said about 700 residential properties along the Pukehina Spit were being searched by specialist teams, along with the surrounding coastline and estuary areas.

He said resources involved in the search included the Eagle helicopter, drones, Surf Life Saving inflatable rescue boats, jet skis and all-terrain vehicles, Coastguard vessels and fixed-wing aircraft, as well as land searches by NZ Land Search and Rescue volunteers.

Search for Pukehina resident Ross Weir, 71,. Photo / Bay of Plenty Police

“Police Search and Rescue staff from across the Bay of Plenty and other police personnel are conducting extensive area canvass inquiries.

“Police would like to acknowledge and thank our volunteer search and rescue partners, who are dedicating many hours of their own time to support the search effort.”

Anyone who has seen Weir or may have information that could assist should contact the police via 105 and quote reference number P067354523.

Information can also be provided anonymously via the Crime Stoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Sandra Conchie is a senior journalist at the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post and has been a journalist for more than 25 years. She mainly covers police, court and other justice stories, as well as general news. She has been a Canon Media Awards regional/community reporter of the year.