Missing man in Tasman National Park

Members of the Nelson Bays Search and Rescue Team commenced a search for a missing 35 year old local hunter, Mr Tony MANSON, yesterday.

Mr MANSON failed to arrive at a pre-arranged time of 1.00pm at the Sabine Hut situated at the Southern end of Lake Rotoroa in Nelson Lakes, Tasman National Park.

Mr MANSON had been hunting alone off the Rotoroa Track near the lake, while other members of his party hunted the Western side of the lake.

Search and Rescue were alerted after a local water taxi operator conveyed a message received via radio from the members of the hunting party to Police Southern Communications.

A specialist dog tracking operator was deployed to Mr MANSON's last known location and followed what is believed to be his foot prints which lead south toward the Sabine Hut. The Nelson Search and Rescue helicopter was utilised to search the area but was limited by inclement weather.

Search and Rescue tracking staff continued to brave the conditions into the early hours of Sunday morning.

Mr MANSON has hunted the area previously but was ill prepared for the conditions. Approximately 30 Search and Rescue members will deploy into the field to continue the search this morning.