Search efforts continued on Monday morning for five-year-old Khyzah, who was reported missing from his Tiniroto, Gisborne home on Sunday afternoon.
Around 200 people were searching for the missing boy on Sunday, with efforts recommencing early Monday morning.
Multiple search teams, search and rescue dogs, specialist search groups and a helicopter has been deployed this morning.
The search is focused on the area around Tiniroto Road in the vicinity of Bushy Knoll Road.
Police Search and Rescue will be joined by Land Search and Rescue volunteers, as well as members of the public.
Members of the public have posted on Facebook showing concerns for the young boy, especially due to overnight weather conditions in the area.
One person said there was a thick layer of fog this morning when they arrived to assist. and called the area “mud nation”.
Another concerned resident who was out late last night looking for Khyzah said it was heartwarming seeing the community come help.
“It’s amazing what a community does when someone is in need.
“Watching hundreds of flashlights last night was heartwarming but knowing our lil man is out there somewhere is terrifying.”
Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Darren Paki said police recognise the overwhelming outpouring of community support after many people have been showing up wanting to help.
“We appreciate there are many people keen to help get Khyzah home to his family.
“At this stage, we are asking that only those with search and rescue skills/experience come forward,” Paki wrote in a statement.
Police are asking those who have the skills/expreince and are available to help, to please phone Gisborne Station on 06 869 0200 or come into the front counter.
Anyone who sees Khyzah is asked to please call 111 immediately, referencing event number P059617641.
This story has been updated to correctly name the five-year-old boy as Khyzah, not Kaizer.
