A man who went missing after entering the Ōtara River on Sunday has been found as the search continues for a woman who was with him.

Police tried to stop a vehicle on Snell Rd, near Ōpōtiki, after 4am on Sunday. The man and woman allegedly fled on foot into the Ōtara River.

A police statement today said a 33-year-old man had been arrested in Gisborne.

Inspector Phil Gillbanks said the man was helping police find the woman.

“Our primary concern now is the welfare of the woman,” Gillbanks said.

“We are appealing directly to her, and anyone who knows her, has spoken with her, or may have assisted her since Sunday morning, to contact police.”

Police are searching the Ōtara and Waioweka rivers, with specialist teams carrying out water-based searches.

The operation has involved helicopter and drone searches, search dogs, New Zealand LandSAR, Coastguard Ōpōtiki and the Police National Dive Squad.

Gillbanks said police were in contact with the woman’s family and providing regular updates.

The 33-year-old was due to appear in Gisborne District Court today on charges including driving dangerously and failing to stop for police.

Anyone with information that could help locate the woman should call 111 and quote file number 261004/6772.

Information can also be reported to police on 105 using the same file number, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.