Search and rescue underway in the Tararua ranges

Levin police and Land SAR volunteers are currently conducting a search and rescue operation in the Tararua Ranges behind Otaki after a 61-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman from Wellington failed to return from a trip over the weekend.

The pair, who are family friends, went tramping on Saturday with a plan to return Sunday evening. There has been no contact with them since their left to go tramping; they were seen on Saturday afternoon by other trampers on the track above Field Hut.

He has tramped in that area before and as far as police are aware they are adequately equipped,
The search effort is focused on the Kime Hut area. Two search teams were deployed into the hills this morning by the Palmerston North Rescue helicopter.

More teams are likely to be deployed this afternoon.

Search efforts are being hampered by bad weather, with low cloud, strong wind and heavy snow in the area making the going very tough.

Police would like anyone who was in the area over the weekend or yesterday to contact Levin Police Station on 06 366 0500.