Iwi have placed a rahui on Ohope in Whakatane - where a man's been missing since 6pm on Christmas Day

The 48-year-old jumped into the harbour while fleeing police - after officers were called to a family harm incident.

Officers tried to get the man to come out of the water, but he refused and swam away.

Locals, Coastguard and rescue helicopters tried to find him that night - and the Police Dive Squad joined the search yesterday.

It's expected to pick up again today.