Emergency crews spent the day scouring the Mahurangi River north of Auckland for any signs of the man.

The ex-fisherman's wife believes he will survive with his strength, wisdom and familiarity with the water.

The ex-fisherman's wife believes he will survive with his strength, wisdom and familiarity with the water.

A body has been recovered from the Mahurangi River, police say, after a man was swept away in a car on Wednesday.

A body has been recovered from the Mahurangi River, police say, after a man was swept away in a car on Wednesday.

Tekanimaeu Arobati was reported missing during the severe storm that lashed eastern areas of the North Island.

Tekanimaeu Arobati was reported missing during the severe storm that lashed eastern areas of the North Island.

The ex-fisherman's wife said she was hopeful that he would survive with his strength, wisdom and familiarity with the water.

Whitewater rafts have been searching a section of the Mahurangi River.

Whitewater rafts have been searching a section of the Mahurangi River.