NZDF joins search for missing tramper

NH90 helicopter (file photo)

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has joined the search for a 60-year-old man who failed to return from a tramping trip in the Tararua Ranges.

Air Commodore Tim Walshe, the Air Component Commander, said a Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 helicopter was flying search and rescue personnel to the Tararuas this afternoon, following a request from the New Zealand Police.

Police said the man had gone on a four-day tramping trip to the Tararua Ranges on 31 January and was due home on Sunday.

“The ground search continues today,” Senior Constable Pete Cunningham, Incident Controller from the New Zealand Police, said.

Search teams have been conducting a ground search since Tuesday morning, checking tracks and huts.