UPDATED 1.10pm The search for 19-year-old Luke Cochrane continues today, with the community rallying at the Land Search and Rescue base near Whitianga Airport.

He was last seen just before 10.30 on Saturday night at a function at the Whitianga Fire Station.

More than 20 search and rescue volunteers and police are searching for the Auckland Airport worker, whose disappearance is completely out of character.

NZME's Belinda Feek says his father Dave has been searching the entire area including the family bach at Matarangi, four times.

She said pamphlets are being handed out with Luke Cochrane's picture and information on it. They're in every petrol station and cafe in Whitianga.

The community's rallying at the Land Search and Rescue base near Whitianga Airport.

Feek said some rescuers are being rested today, while others are coming in to join the search from the wider Waikato region.

About 80 per cent of the township has been inspected, with the remaining 20 per cent to be checked today, mostly on the outskirts of the urban area, police said this morning.

Boats moored in the harbour and in waterways will be included in the search.

They are also inspecting locations along Tapu-Coroglen Road and The 309 Road, although police said there was nothing to suggest he had left the town.

Following appeals for information, police have received about a 12 calls from members of public and are sifting through those details.

CCTV footage has been checked and more recordings will be examined today.

About 30 search and rescue and police personnel are conducting the search.  Assistance is being provided by Surf Life Saving, Coastguard and the Harbourmaster and members of Cochrane’s family are searching.

Police encouraged locals to check their properties again.

LUKE"S MOTHER SPEAKS OUT

Catherine Tamati last heard from her son on Saturday morning.

He was in Whitianga enjoying a weekend away with his mates - and had run out of cash.

"I was in contact with him on the morning of the day he disappeared. He was wanting me to transfer him some money, normal story for a teenage boy," she said.

However, that was her last contact with her eldest son.

Tamati, together with husband, Glenn, and their children Sean, 16, Jackson, 16, and Joshua, 17, are all at the LandSAR headquarters in Whitianga this morning holding out hope that one of the crews will find their son and brother alive and well today.

However, given its now the third day he's missing, they're all - including dad, Dave, and his partner Debbie Adamson - understandably getting concerned.

"We are getting concerned now because it's out of character for Luke not to contact myself. He would always contact me if he wanted money or gets in trouble and wants a ride somewhere."

Tamati, on behalf of all the family, was now pleading with the Whitianga and Coromandel community in general that if they see anyone matching Luke's description to get in touch with police ASAP by calling 111.

She said her son was very sporty and into soccer and cricket.

"He played a lot of sport. He came to Whitianga to support his friend whose father passed away a year ago and were having a function to remember him ... (his friends) were all very supportive of each other and were looking forward to a weekend away."

Glenn Tamati said Cochrane was a promising cricketer.

"He was just a great kid and always full of life, always getting up to mischief."

The family would remain in Whitianga until their son and brother was found, Catherine Tamati said.

"We have all been involved in the search and are all positive and hoping for the best."