A 76-year-old man missing from a Palmerston North rest home since Tuesday could be making his way to Waimarama, say police.
Andrew Hodge has dementia and poor health and was last seen at the rest home at 2.45pm on Tuesday.
Palmerston North police sergeant Bill Nicholson said given Mr Hodge's medical status
they had "grave fears for his wellbeing".
"One possible scenario is that he may try and to return to a farm property on Okaihau Road near Waimarama where he worked 20 years ago," Mr Nicholson said.
"Mr Hodge is on medication for various conditions and it is important we find him as soon as possible."
Police and volunteers yesterday searched the Manawatu River behind the Palmerston North golf course. There had been several sightings of Mr Hodge on the outskirts of Palmerston North.
"We are now considering the possibility that he may have obtained a ride to the Hawke's Bay area. We need to hear from anybody who may have given him a ride," Mr Nicholson said.
Mr Hodge is described as male caucasian, approximately 1.7m tall, of solid build and he walks with a bowed gait.
He has grey hair and is balding. He was last seen wearing fawn-coloured trousers and a blue/grey multi-coloured checked jersey.
