Search and rescue teams, helicopter look for missing Wellington man Graham Smith

Four search teams are scouring a Wellington coastal reserve and neighbouring suburb for a 77-year-old man who has now been missing for three days.

Graham Smith was reported missing at around 6.30pm on Sunday after going for a walk on Doctor Track on the Colonial Knob walkway, southwest of Porirua.

Land Search and Rescue teams and a helicopter were scouring the Porirua area for Smith.

“Last night, the Westpac helicopter flew over the area Graham was last seen with thermal imaging equipment, unfortunately he was not located.”

Police said they have received a number of reported sightings that are being followed up today.

The area Smith was last seen in had multiple walkways and mountain bike trails and was extremely popular with walkers, day trampers, and mountain bikers.

Police are continuing the search for 77-year-old Graham Russell Smith, who has been missing since Sunday evening. Photo / Supplied

Smith is about 165cm tall, of slight build, and was wearing a blue puffer jacket and brown corduroy pants when he went missing. Police said he potentially suffered from dementia and has difficulty hearing.

Police said earlier it was likely people might have seen the missing man. They wanted to hear from anyone who saw or interacted with him.

“Workers in the industrial and commercial area near Rangituhi/Colonial Knob, southwest of Porirua, are asked to check their yards, outbuildings, sheds, and work sites for Graham.

“We are also asking residents to check their yards if they are in the areas of Elsdon, Kenepuru Landing, or on the western hills of Tawa that back on to the scenic reserve.”

They asked for people to call 111 and reference the file number 241111/3559 if they came across the missing man.

Information could also be provided online, or by calling 105.

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