TOP STORY: I feel like an idiot: Partner

KELLY BURNS
Hastings man Cameron Dormer was found in Wellington last night with a mystery man after appearing to fake his own disappearance and sparking a costly search of the North Island.
Mr Dormer, who runs a web-based communications company, went missing on Saturday after he sent a text message to his partner saying he was being followed.
His white 1998 Honda Accord car, described as his "pride and joy" was found burnt-out six hours later, near Katikati in the Bay of Plenty.
Mr Dormer was found about 6pm last night with another man at a motel in central Wellington. But when police arrived at the motel, he jumped out a window and fled. He was arrested in the grounds of a nearby high school, interviewed and spent the night in custody.
He was due to appear in Wellington District Court today charged with wasting police time and possessing cannabis.
He was expected to be remanded without plea for two weeks and released on bail to his father's home in New Plymouth.
Detective Sergeant Mike Foster, of Hastings police, said Mr Dormer was seen on a bus on Sunday travelling from New Plymouth to Wellington.
Police also spoke to a man in New Plymouth who gave information leading to Mr Dormer in Wellington. The missing man's cellphone was also traced during the five-day disappearance.
Detective Sergeant Mark Moorhouse, of Hastings police, said the motive for the disappearance was unknown.
"This guy has just wanted to disappear and wanted to go." The man found at the motel with Mr Dormer and the man in New Plymouth are all known to each other. Police believe Mr Dormer had help executing his disappearance and charges against his associates were likely.
"He couldn't have done it on his own ... it's not something they could have cooked up over a beer, they certainly sat down and discussed it and planned it."
Mr Moorhouse said police in four districts had wasted time and resources in the manhunt. Reparation for the cost of the police investigations in Waihi, Hawke's Bay, New Plymouth and Wellington may be sought.
Mr Dormer, who is from New Plymouth, moved to Hastings three years ago to be with his partner, Clinton Hughes. This morning Mr Hughes was waiting to talk to his partner and still confused.
"I just want to see him and I don't really care about what's happened. It doesn't matter. But it just makes no sense."
He was wracked with anxiety about why his partner would disappear: "At this point I don't want to leave the house, I feel like an idiot ... how did I not notice? You think I would know when he lives with me. But I still can't wait to hear from him."
Mr Dormer's brother Elliot said his family were relieved but still bewildered about what had happened. He did not believe the man his brother was found with could be another boyfriend, because he was happy with Mr Hughes.