KEY POINTS:
Concerns continue to grow for the safety of a Lower Hutt man missing for nearly four weeks.
Stephen Baden Adams, 50, left his Lower Hutt home and indicated he would drive to the Wairarapa to visit his mother's grave on Saturday, January 31.
He hasn't been seen or
heard from since and distraught family and friends were desperate to know what happened to him.
Detective Sergeant Steve Harwood of Lower Hutt CIB, said police were equally concerned for Mr Adams' wellbeing and feared for his safety, saying his disappearance was a mystery.
"We know he was deeply grieving the death of his mother two weeks before his disappearance.
"But his absence from home and lack of contact with his close knit family and friends is out of character."
Mr Adams had not accessed his bank accounts, cellphone or fuel card, and no one appeared to have seen him or his 2005 black Ford Falcon XR6 car, police said today.
"We can't rule out he has had an accident but where and when is unknown."
Mr Adams left home about 8.15am on January 31, driving his car, registration CSA631.
He told family he was heading to visit his mum's grave near Greytown.
There was no indication he would not be returning home.
He was seen driving north on State Highway 2's River Road about 8.30am that day but there have been no confirmed sightings since.
Police have received calls from people who thought they saw a black car heading towards the Rimutaka Range that Saturday, but there have been no leads, Mr Harwood said.
Mr Adams' family and police searched thousands of kilometres, including by air, and police had checked every layby on roads over the Rimutaka and Akatarawa Ranges, and also areas in Wairarapa including the Lake Ferry Road and the Waiohine Gorge.
Hotels, motels, transport operators and road repair companies had also been alerted.
Mr Harwood said finding Mr Adams' car was critical in the search.
Mr Adams, who was 190cm tall, left home wearing dark coloured shorts, a light t-shirt and jandals.
Anyone with information about his disappearance should contact Detective Sergeant Harwood at Lower Hutt Police Station .
- NZPA
