Canterbury rapist on the run may be in Marlborough

Police are looking for 48-year-old Nigel Robert Gately who went missing from a Christchurch address yesterday. Photo / NZ Police

Police are hunting for a rapist and kidnapper who is on the run after breaching his parole conditions.

Police are looking for 48-year-old Nigel Robert Gately who went missing from a Christchurch address yesterday.

Gately has convictions for rape, assault with intent to commit rape and abduction for sex.

He is believed to be wearing a black puffer jacket and jeans and was in the vicinity on Kaikoura at 3.30am this morning.

Police have asked the Marlborough community to be on the lookout for a a distintive purple Ford Falcon with the registration CKT152.

Gately is described as being 6' 1" tall, with blonde/grey hair, blue eyes and solidly built.

Detective Sergeant Chris Power said he was regarded as a high risk offender.

Police are advising anyone who sees Gately to call 111 immediately.