Wairarapa police are hunting a man with a history of violence who removed his electronic monitoring bracelet after a court appearance for breaching home detention.
Police said Jade Harris is currently serving a sentence of home detention on a range of dishonesty and driving offences.
On February 29, Harris appeared in the Masterton District Court on a breach of his home detention, after which he removed his electronic monitoring bracelet and did not return home.
Police said Harris can be described as violent and has been known to possess weapons in the past, so should not be approached.
Police are searching a number of houses in Masterton and South Wairarapa looking for Harris, who is known to have associations with the Wairarapa and Nelson areas.
He is described as 20 years old, European, 180cm tall and of medium build, and has a distinctive tattoo on the left-hand side of his neck.
Harris was believed to be travelling to the Nelson area, Senior Sergeant Gordon Crawley said.
If any members of the public have any information that may assist in locating Harris they are encouraged to call the Masterton police station on (06) 370 0300 or 111.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.