Brodie Stone: Northern Advocate reporter on the temporarily suspended search for student missing in Whangarei's Abbey Caves - Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Rescuers have suspended the search for a student missing in Whangarei's Abbey Caves.

A group from Whangarei Boys High School visited the cave and reported difficulties after severe weather this morning.

Police say the search is expected to resume at first light tomorrow, and a cordon will remain in place.

Northern Advocate reporter Brodie Stone says it's understood visibility is too low right now, but it's unclear what happened.

"There's a lot of rumours swirling around, obviously the weather played a massive part in it. There was flooding around the area, but we can't really make any assumptions."

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