Police say they will end the search for 10-year-old Levin boy Alexander Fisher overnight and resume it at daylight.

An arrest has been made in connection to the disappearance of Levin boy Alex Fisher as his family thanks those who have helped in the search.

Manawatu area commander Inspector Sarah Stewart confirmed a man appeared in Levin District Court on Wednesday and was granted interim name suppression, but she would not provide any more details.

Alex's family made a public statement thanking the search teams for their efforts.

NZ Police Police have released this photo of Alex and his brother, Eric. Police want to hear of sightings of the pair, either together or alone.

"We would like to thank all those involved in the search for our son, brother and cherished family member. We appreciate the efforts and support from friends, family members and the public. At this time we request that our privacy is respected as we gather together at this difficult time."

A man, aged in his 20s, appeared before a judge facing one charge of illegally possessing a knife in a public place on Tuesday night, NZME reported.

The location of the alleged offence is Forest Rd, Waitarere, where the search for Alex - also known as Alexander - has been based.

Supplied Alex Fisher was last seen on Monday night. Police say they believe a body found on Waitarere Beach on Thursday afternoon is his.

The man was remanded in custody by consent until October 14.

Alex was last seen on video footage at 6.30pm on Monday, near Waitarere Forest, about 10 kilometres from the Horowhenua town of Levin.

At a press conference on Wednesday evening, Stewart said police were extremely concerned for his safety and would continue searching until it was dark, and then resume searching tomorrow.

She confirmed Alex had been seen with his brother Eric in the Waitarere Four Square on Monday night. Police have released a CCTV image of the two together.

Stewart confirmed Eric was the family member Alex had gone into the forest with and said the search was still a search and rescue.

Stewart said they were calling for public sightings of Alex from Monday afternoon or evening or any time prior. They were looking for any sightings of him and his brother together or separately.

As the hours went by, police were growing more and more concerned for Alex.

"We also want residents in Waitarere to check their properties or buildings and see if there is anything different or unusual at their property."

Stewart said police were assessing items as they were located.

There were 65 people searching for the boy on Wednesday. Stewart said they had a wide search area and any information given from the public would be appreciated.

When asked about searches conducted on Kahukura Ave, Steward said "as information comes in we assess it and if there is a possibility of a search we have a look at it and then we will reassess as to what the next step is."

On Thursday the military would provide more support in the search and continue looking in areas of interest.

Earlier police revealed they had recovered an asthma inhaler belonging to Alex, his asthma spacer and a pencil case.