Missing Gisborne man Joseph Ahuriri. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Search equipment which allows police to look below silt caused by Cyclone Gabrielle will be used as police continue looking for Joseph Ahuriri.
The Gisborne man has been missing since Cyclone Gabrielle hit the country in February.
In a statement, police said the search equipment was being supplied by GNS Science.
"A drone with a magnetometer attached will be deployed to an area of interest north of Napier over the next couple of weeks.
"The equipment should be able to define large submerged metallic objects and provide possible locations for further investigation."
Police said "extensive" land and water-based searches have so far failed to locate Ahuriri or his vehicle.
Joseph Ahuriri's Toyota Hilux. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
"Regular contact has been maintained with his family who have been kept up-to-date with the investigation.
"Police continue to work hard to locate Joseph and appreciate the assistance from people who have come forward with information and CCTV footage."
Ahuriri was last seen on 14 February at a petrol station.
He was captured on CCTV footage at Waitomo Fuel Stop at Bay View, having arrived in a white Toyota Hilux.
Ahuriri was last seen on 14 February at Waitomo Fuel Stop at Bay View. Photo: Supplied/ Police
In late February, Eastern District Commander Superintendent Jeanette Park said police believed Ahuriri's disappearance was unlikely to be cyclone-related, "although this cannot be fully ruled out".
Ahuriri's older brother Mike Ahuriri reacted angrily to the comment, telling the NZ Herald: "The statement ... it may not be Cyclone Gabrielle-related is bulls...".
Police urged anyone who had information regarding to the investigation into Ahuriri's disappearance contact them.
People could call 105, quoting file number 230225/2804.
