Kahurangi National Park search: Defence Force joins hunt for missing tramper

The New Zealand Defence Force is being enlisted to help in the search for a tramper who went missing in a South Island national park more than a week ago.

Graham Garnett, 66, went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area of Kahurangi National Park at the end of last year.

“He was expected to return on December 30 but did not,” Police Search and Rescue Sergeant Johnny Evans said.

Graham Garnett went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area of the Kahurangi National Park. Photo / Police

Evans said a New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter was again being used, and four specialist canyon teams were being flown into Motueka to assist with the search.

“Search efforts today will focus on spurs and large water systems coming off the Wharepapa/Arthur Range.

The Defence Force is being enlisted to aid in the search for Graham Garnett, who has not been seen for more than a week.

“Police thank everyone involved so far for their ongoing efforts to locate Graham.

“This includes members of Land Search and Rescue, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Defence Force, Rescue Co-ordination Centre, and commercial helicopter operators.

Search and rescue teams, as well as four specialist canyon teams, are searching for Garnett.

“Police still want to hear from anyone who was in the Baton/Ellis River area from the afternoon of 26 December, particularly anyone who was around Flanagan’s Hut.”

Garnett, 66, went tramping in the Baton/Ellis River area of Kahurangi National Park at the end of last year.

Any sightings or information can be reported at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105 using the reference number P064981672.