Due to flooding Police and Fire are evacuating approximately 100 people from homes in Piha around Glenesk, Seaview and Beach Valley Roads.
People are being evacuated to the nearby surf club or campground as a precaution.
The flooding appears to be receding and if it continues to do so Police hope to allow people back into their homes within a couple of hours.
A number of people who were walking in the bush on a track off Piha Road called Police at 5:15pm concerned they were trapped by rising river levels.
The group of approximately 20 people included people from various groups who had been walking in the bush through the afternoon and banded together to get out safely.
They have since found a safe route back out of the bush and are currently walking out towards Glenesk Road.
The search for the three people missing in the river near Cascades Falls is continuing with emergency services and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter searching.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre