'Disappointing' result in latest search for Joseph Ahuriri at Esk River
Police investigating the disappearance of Gisborne father Joseph Ahuriri say it is "dissapointing" they have been unable to find anything in the latest search in the Bay View area.
The last two days have seen police and contractors dig an area of beach at the mouth of Esk River, just off North Shore Road.
Detective Sergeant Alex Simister said the area was identified following a 2023 magnometer drone survey, which showed a metal-like object of interest around 5 metres below the surface.
"Police and specialist search teams used an excavator to move around 2000 cubic metres of sand. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate Joseph or any items of interest in relation to his disappearance.
"The result of this search is a disappointing one for us."
Simister says they have been committed to finding Joseph since he went missing 14 months ago and will continue to search for answers.
"Whether that involves another physical search is something we need to consider."
He acknowledged the resilience of Ahuriri's family throughout this operation.
"They were present at the river throughout the search and were obviously hopeful for some form of resolution."
Joseph was last seen at the Waitomo fuel stop in Bay View, Napier, on 14 February 2023.
At the time he disappeared, the father of eight was attempting to head to Gisborne from Napier as Cyclone Gabrielle hit the region.
