Search continuing at Lake Arapuni – lake to be lowered on Wednesday

Taupo Police are continuing the search operation today for two men missing at Lake Arapuni, near Putaruru.

Jordan Pooley and James Roberts failed to return from a fishing trip on Lake Arapuni on Sunday 28 August. A search operation has been underway since Police were notified on Wednesday 31 August.

Over the weekend, members of Police staff have been working on the search alongside search and rescue volunteers, the Environment Waikato harbour master, members of the local community, and friends and family members of the two missing men.

Police have also been talking to locals and visitors in the Area to try and gain any new information about the movements of the two men on the lake last weekend.

The Taupo Police Area Commander, Inspector Steve Bullock, says the searches have failed to find the two missing men to date, however, some items of interest have been found.

"We have found some items of clothing which may belong to the missing men. If so, this could help us to narrow down the search area."

Inspector Bullock says this phase of the search will continue for the next two days, but the operation will move into a new phase on Wednesday when the water level in the lake will be lowered.

"We have been looking at a large range of options to assist us in our search operation.

"As part of that, Police have been working closely with Mighty River Power, who will be lowering the level of the lake on Wednesday to assist with the search. While the level of the lake is lowered, we will be undertaking water, land and aerial searches of the area.

"The Police Dive Squad will also be working in the lake during this phase of the operation."

Inspector Bullock says some media reports that the Navy's assistance has been requested is incorrect.