Update missing elderly man Whangamata

Search teams continue to scour waterways, parks and reserves as they seek an elderly Whangamata man who went missing from his home overnight.

Waikato Police Search and Rescue team leader, Sergeant Warren Shaw, said 82-year-old Alfred John CRIBB, who is known as Jack, went to bed in his unit at a retirement village on Campbell Close about 11.30pm.

"His partner awoke about 2.30am and noticed him missing. Neighbours and local Police began a search of the local area once the alarm was raised and a SAR team from Hamilton arrived to assist them early this afternoon."

Mr Shaw said as time goes on concerns for Mr CRIBB'S safety grow due to not only his age but also because of a pre-existing medical condition.

"Jack has a pacemaker fitted and needs to take medication for his medical condition. Obviously the longer he is out there without this medication the more concerned his family becomes.

"While searchers have combed the immediate area around his home other teams are searching nearby parks, reserves and waterways for any sign of Jack."

The search operation is based out of the Whangamata Police Station and it is here Mr Shaw asked the public to phone through any sighting reports on 07 8650300.

Mr CRIBB was believed to have been wearing a brown and red plaid shirt, long grey trousers with a belt, a green jersey and sandals when he went missing.

He was also wearing a medic alert bracelet.