A police dive squad is today searching Waitemata Harbour in Auckland for a missing student, Mandeep Singh.
Photo: RNZ / Lauren Baker
Fears are growing for the 20-year-old, who was last seen leaving the Bungalow 8 bar in the Viaduct, where he was removed by bar staff early on Sunday morning after showing signs of intoxication.
A woman who said she had seen Mr Singh in the bar told Radio New Zealand he was "wasted."
One of Mr Singh's friends said the 20-year-old disappeared after visiting a nightclub for the very first time.
Missing student Mandeep Singh Photo: Supplied
Pritpal Singh Swaich said he had been Mr Singh's friend since they met in India 18 months ago, and lived just minutes away from his family.
He said the family was worried and praying but was still hopeful he was safe.
Aleksei Markov, a student with Mr Singh at culinary school, said he was known as an honest and simple man who would not get into trouble on his own.
"Something happened with him. Maybe he was drunk and fell, I don't know ... but something happened - he couldn't just disappear by himself."
Police said they were following up some new lines of inquiry, though yesterday Acting Detective Sergeant Marcia Murray said the police were open minded about what could have happened to him.
"At this stage, we aren't considering anything suspicious. Mr Singh has disappeared and our focus is on locating him.
"We have a unit making enquiries with his family and friends and following up on any leads we may have," she said.
Photo: RNZ / Lauren Baker
A police boat was out yesterday searching the water.