Friends of an Auckland man missing in the Waimakariri River have paid tribute to the 38-year-old.

Police were called to the river on Saturday when Kapuaiwaho “Kapu” Waretini failed to surface while swimming near the Waimakariri Bridge.

Mr Waretini’s property manager said “we’re mind blown, and waiting for updates.”

“He spoke fluent te Reo beautifully.”

His roommate said Mr Waretini was “a generous person” and had won various leadership awards for his work.

In 2012, Mr Waretini received a Sir Peter Blake award for his ‘commitment to quality accreditation for Maori organisations.’

His work at Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK), the Ministry of Māori Development, saw him lead a team which sought to highlight Maori success and achievement for the world at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

His roommate said “he was loving and kind at all times.”

“I have a friend at the river watching, I sort of hope he shows up, but the likelihood at this point seems extremely low.”

“I hope they at least find his body for his family.”

Kapu Waretin’s work with Maori organisations across New Zealand was described as “groundbreaking.”

Search and Rescue volunteers are continuing to search the beach areas near the Waimakariri River mouth today.