Hopes for Kiwi missing in US

Friends of a New Zealand man missing in the United States are still hopeful he will be found alive and well. Father-of-two Peter O'Brien, 44, has been missing from his home in Boise, Idaho, since April 2, when his ex-wife Suzanne Oppenheimer last saw him.

Long-time friend Martin Lopez yesterday said both ground and aerial search teams had failed to find any signs of Mr O'Brien in the areas near his home but friends and family had not given up hope. "I think he'll make contact."

Police don't believe Mr O'Brien has left the country as his passport has not been used.

Ms Oppenheimer said she had no particular fears about Mr O'Brien's mental state before he disappeared, but that their relationship was strained.