Police and excavators are at work in Eskdale amid the investigation into the disappearance of Gisborne man Joseph Ahuriri.
“Police are making enquiries as part of an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Joseph Ahuriri,” a police spokesperson told 1News.
At least five police cars were parked at the end of North Shore Rd this afternoon, a 1News reporter at the scene said.
Excavators could be seen combing through an area near the mouth to the Esk River.
A large section of beach has also been cordoned off.
Workers in high-visibility gear and police officers appeared to be digging up part of the beach.
Ahuriri was attempting to travel from Napier to his home in Gisborne around the time of Cyclone Gabrielle last February.
He was last seen on February 14, fuelling his white Toyota Hilux at Waitomo Fuel Stop in Bay View, Napier. There were no confirmed sightings of him since then.
Police have previously said they didn’t believe Ahuriri’s disappearance was related to Cyclone Gabrielle, but couldn’t rule it out entirely.