A search and rescue exercise in the Kaimai Range turned into the real thing last night when a Tauranga possum hunter reported himself injured and trapped in the wild.
Tauranga police Senior Sergeant Lyn Manning said the hunter, 31-year-old Stuart Smith, reported his plight by cellphone.
Mr Manning said the call coincided with a search and rescue exercise in the northern Kaimai Range and three participants had been diverted to a search for Mr Smith, who had entered the area earlier in the week and was sheltering in a ponga hut.
Mr Smith told police he had a hurt knee, and would be unable to cross swollen rivers.
Mr Smith was an experienced tramper, searchers had a "reasonable idea" where to look, and a helicopter could be diverted from the exercise if necessary, Mr Manning said.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
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