Northland District Headquarters
Walton Plaza, Whangärei
Friday August 1, 2008

The 40-year-old man missing in the river on Waikare Valley Road, in the Bay of Islands, is now presumed to have drowned.

Police search and rescue staff and Far North LandSAR volunteers have spent the last two days searching for the man, after his partner's body was discovered on the river's edge on Wednesday.

Police have scaled down the search and will be assessing the situation today.
Although river levels have dropped, the water still remains high making the search difficult.

Another front is expected today, which could further hamper efforts to find the man.

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Although Kerry Michael Witt is presumed drowned, Police would like to hear from anyone who may know of his whereabouts. The contact is Russell Police on 09 403 9090.

ENDS

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