New Zealand

Large search effort for missing doctor fails to find any clues

16:38 pm on 19 March 2022

Dozens of volunteers joined an extended search in Papamoa for Dr David Holland today, but failed to find any clues to help explain his disappearance.

Photo: Supplied/ Police

The 31-year-old was last seen more than a week ago, on the evening of 11 March.

Tauranga Police Search and Rescue's efforts today concentrated on the sand dunes between Karewa Parade to Ocean Beach Road, and they say they were "overwhelmed" by the support of the 148 community volunteers who helped out.

The searchers found 36 items which were reported back to police, but none of them had any connection to the missing doctor.

Surf Life Saving New Zealand search and rescue manager Allan Mundy says three boats were searching the water since early this morning.

"We have finished all our searching on the Surf Life Saving objectives. All three clubs have completed their taskings for this period of time.

"We're just standing by to receive any other instructions from the police."

The Tauranga Land Search and Rescue teams also searched more difficult areas in the dunes which were not visible from the air, but nothing of interest was located.

Sergeant Craig Madden thanked those who helped out, including the Tauranga and Rotorua Land Search and Rescue, the Mount Maunganui, Omanu and the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving clubs, Tauranga Coastguard and the Coastguard Air Patrol, and community volunteers.

He said the search will continue over the weekend.