The search for a man missing from a cruise ship off the Mahia Peninsula has been called off.
Rescue Coordination Centre confirmed to Newshub the search has been cancelled unless more information comes to light.
The 62-year-old Australian man "deliberately jumped" from the Norwegian Jewel cruise ship at around 7pm on Sunday night, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings - which owns the cruise liner - confirmed in a statement.
"Unfortunately, the guest has not been found. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual's family during this difficult time," said a spokesperson.
Searches for him on Monday were hindered by poor weather and choppy seas.
"One of the issues that the choppy seas create is it's much harder to see a person in the water - also create an issue with the swell for the boats that are searching," Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson Vince Chloewa told Newshub earlier on Monday.
The Norwegian Jewel left the Mahia Peninsula early on Monday morning for Auckland.
