Search for missing man in water rescue operation in Harewood

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch
Nov 23, 2025 |
Photo: Bradley Tindall

Multiple emergency services, including the police dive squad, are searching for a man missing in a Harewood lake.

A police spokeswoman told chrislynchmedia.com police officers were called at 6.50PM to a water rescue at a lake near Johns Road.

The incident is at the popular Lake Rua at Roto Kohatu Reserve.

Photo: Bradley Tindall

Chris Lynch Media understands a person was seen face down in the water.

A rescue helicopter has been called to the scene along with Coastguard crews from Lyttelton.

Bradley Tindall

Local resident Bradley Tindall said a police dive squad was in the waters at 8PM.

He said the missing man’s family was near the lake waiting for news. They’re just devastated, they still haven’t find him yet.”

Photo: Bradley Tindall

Tindall said he was walking around the lake when he heard a commotion and saw police officers jumping into the water.

“They couldn’t get deep enough, so I raced home and got my gear for them.”

Chris Lynch
Chris Lynch

Chris Lynch is a journalist, videographer and content producer, broadcasting from his independent news and production company in Christchurch, New Zealand. If you have a news tip or are interested in video content, email [email protected]

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