A shoreline search for a missing surfer in Tauranga is underway.
The man was seen entering the water at Papamoa Beach at 5pm yesterday near the Top Ten Holiday Park, and was later spotted some distance offshore at 8pm.
A member of the public was concerned for his safety and notified the police.
The Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club, two Coastguard boats and two helicopters searched the area until midnight with no sighting of the missing surfer.
Police seeking information of anyone who saw the surfer or knows who he is, in case he has made it safely back to shore.