Shipwreck Bay near Ahipara, at the base of 90 Mile Beach
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A search is continuing in the Far North for a diver missing since before Christmas.

The local man was reported missing at Tauroa Point, near Ahipara, on 23 December, with the initial search effort by air and water hampered by bad weather.

A Search and Rescue spokesman said the operation, which was currently under review, had been scaled back but shoreline patrols by police and family members were continuing.

The last aerial search by Coastguard’s Northland Air Patrol was on 31 December.

A rāhui remains in place between Te Kōhanga, or Shipwreck Bay, and Waitārehu at the entrance to Herekino Harbour.

The rāhui is a temporary, customary ban on surfing, swimming, fishing and shellfish gathering, put in place by elders of Te Rarawa Kaiwhare and Ngā Tai o Te Uru.

Surfing and swimming are permitted at Te Kōhanga.