Wanted Christchurch man Robert James McAllister kidnapped family member at gunpoint, police say

Robert James McAllister is wanted by police. Photo/NZ Police

A Christchurch man who has been on the run from police since September kidnapped a family member at gunpoint in the early hours of Wednesday, police say.

Detective Andrew Owens said Robert James McAllister is believed to have been using social media dating sites such as Tinder to evade police for the past few months.

The last they heard of the 34-year-old was yesterday when the family member reported the kidnapping.

"He's, with the firearm, got them to drive him somewhere," Owens said.

The family member was uninjured.

McAllister has been wanted since September in relation to domestic violence allegations, and there is also a warrant out for him for his failure to appear in court.

Information given to police through the Crimestoppers line has led them to believe McAllister is using dating sites for travel and to find places to stay.

Owens said police were aware McAllister had travelled through other parts of the country, including Wellington and Dunedin.

Following the kidnapping in Christchurch on Wednesday police "conducted enquiries" at two properties in a bid to find him, but had no luck.

"Given that firearms have been reported in this latest incident, we have to say that he's considered armed and dangerous and shouldn't be approached," he said.

"We would just like to know where he is."

McAllister has full tattooed arms, is of medium build, about 1.83m tall and has short brown hair, though police said his hair could possible be longer now.

Anyone with information about McAllister's whereabouts should contact police on (03) 363 7400, 111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.