The family of a man who was swept away in the Waioweka River near Ōpōtiki almost two weeks ago remain near the search area as efforts to locate him continue.

Father of four, David Roe, 52, has been missing since Friday, January 23, after falling from a boat while crossing the river near the junction of Waiata Stream.

Police were called to the Waioweka River at around 5.30pm after receiving a report that a man had fallen from his boat and been swept downstream. The vessel was later located nearby.

Initial search efforts involved helicopters and jet-boats.

Eastern Bay Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney said a jet-boat continued to be deployed daily, while the Police National Dive Squad had been unable to assist due to the river remaining swift and high.

A family member said the family had remained at their property in the Waioweka Gorge near where the incident occurred.

Road closures have restricted access to the area, leaving them largely isolated with limited communication.

The family member said Mr Roe had been crossing the river by boat to return home for dinner.

Damage to a nearby swing bridge meant river crossings by boat were necessary while building work was under way on the property, with vehicles and temporary accommodation located on the opposite side of the river.

Mr Roe had been living in the area with his wife and youngest son since July last year and was familiar with the river.

He is well known in the Bay of Plenty business community as the founder and inventor of Inversehair, a sub-zero cordless hairstyling tool developed as an alternative to heat styling.

A Givealittle page has been set up to support the family during this time.

Those wishing to donate can search “Missing Father Waioweka River Ōpōtiki” on givealittle.co.nz.

If anyone has any information to assist the search, call 105.

Police are asking that the community do not attempt to assist in the search of the river because of the treacherous conditions.