Search teams have still found no sign of the five-year-old boy swept out to sea at Mount Maunganui three days ago.
Jack Dixon who was swept out to sea off Mt Maunganui. Photo: Supplied
Jack Dixon was washed away by a large wave on Wednesday during a trip to Shelley Beach with his grandmother, aunt and three cousins, and the search for him resumed about 8am today.
Today five inflatable rescue boats with swimmers will search in a new direction, scouring rocks, reefs and outcrops between Moturiki and Rabbit islands.
Eastern region Surf Life Saving manager Lee Sefton said rescue teams were getting tired, but their resolve was as strong as ever.
However, deteriorating weather may hamper search efforts this afternoon, he said.
Police yesterday scaled back the search but said they had not given up hope of finding the boy.
Acting Bay of Plenty area commander Karl Wright-St Clair said land searches were not necessary because hundreds of people climbing around or on the Mount will be keeping an eye out for Jack.
Vigils have been held for Jack and his family in the area since he went missing.
The vigil for Jack Dixon. Photo: RNZ / Lauren Baker