The search for a soldier missing on Lake Moawhango in the central North Island has been called off for the night.
Emergency services were called to the lake, east of the Desert Road, on Tuesday evening after the soldier fell overboard from an inflatable boat.
Inspector Steve Mastrovich says given it was 24 hours since the man went missing, the hopes of finding him alive were fading.
The navy dive team was expected to arrive in Waiouru on Wednesday night to assist in the search when it resumes at first light on Thursday.
Because of the depth of the lake, a police dive team has only been able to conduct a shallow search around the shoreline. The navy divers will conduct a deeper search.
Inspector Mastrovich says the circumstances of the incident are still unclear, and police have yet to speak to all the witnesses.
The soldier was returning from training about 5.30pm on Tuesday when he disappeared.
A search by Defence Force personnel, police and a helicopter failed to find any sign of the man, aged in his 20s, on Tuesday night.
His family has been told but his name has not yet been released.
Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says an inquiry will be held.
