Police have stopped searching for a child initially feared trapped in a culvert in the Auckland suburb of Mt Albert.
The Fire Service say they were called by a council worker about 1pm on Friday, saying he heard what sounded like a child in distress at the culvert in Alberton Avenue.
Police say search and rescue officers searched through the 1.5km culvert and a nearby golf course.
A helicopter was used to search the coastline further downstream, but no bodies were found, and all pupils from nearby schools have been accounted for.
A police spokesperson says the council worker could have heard echoes, and as far as police are aware, no one is missing.
Alberton Avenue has been reopened and police, fire and ambulance officers have been stood down and are leaving the scene.
Fire Service shift manager Steve Smith said nothing had been found, except a rugby ball.
