Search underway for two men who jumped into Ōtara River
Sunday 4 October 2026 · 4 outlets · 14 reports · updated In this story Phil Gillbanks
Police are conducting a large-scale search for two men who jumped into a Bay of Plenty river near Ōpōtiki early Sunday morning. The men fled on foot after their vehicle was stopped by road spikes following a pursuit. Officers are now appealing for any sightings of the pair.
Key facts
6 facts
- Two men jumped into the Ōtara River after their vehicle was stopped by road spikes
- The incident occurred in the Wainui area near Ōpōtiki on Sunday morning
- The vehicle ran a red light at approximately 3.45am
- Road spikes were deployed about 10km from Ōpōtiki shortly after 4am
- The vehicle stopped on Snell Road
- Police job number for the incident is P067829874
The full story
1 min read · 4 outlets
Police are conducting a large-scale search and rescue operation for two men who jumped into the Ōtara River. The men jumped into the water after their vehicle came to a stop on Snell Road.
The incident began around 3.45am on Sunday when a driver ran a red light in the Wainui area and failed to stop for police. Road spikes were deployed about 10km from Ōpōtiki shortly after 4am, causing the vehicle to stop near the river.
Search efforts have involved police Search and Rescue staff, the Harbourmaster, Coastguard Ōpōtiki, and a rescue helicopter. Ground crews have also been deployed across farmland to locate the missing men.
Duty Inspector Phil Edwards said, “If you’re safe, please let us know. Your safety is our priority”. Police are appealing for any information regarding the men or suspicious behaviour in the area.
How it developed
- Sun 4 Oct, 2:09pmOn Sunday afternoon, police confirmed that ground crews had been sent across farmland to find the men.
Compiled from reports by NZ Herald, 1News, Stuff and RNZ.
How they headlined it
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NZ Herald
Ōpōtiki police searching for two men who jumped into Ōtara River (opens in new tab)
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1News
'Extensive' search underway for pair who fled into river from police (opens in new tab)
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Stuff
Large search under way after two fleeing men jump into river (opens in new tab)
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RNZ
Two men jump into river after failing to stop for police (opens in new tab)