Search begins for family lost in bush

A Whangarei police search-and-rescue team is hunting today for a family lost in rugged bush in the Hokianga area.

Police northern communications centre Sergeant Chris Money said a 12-year- old boy, 17-year-old youth and a man believed to be the boys' father lost their way in the rugged Warawara Forest in north Hokianga over Easter weekend.

The trio, all experienced trampers, went into the forest on Sunday but failed to come out as expected on Monday. The father then contacted police on his cellphone.

Warawara Forest covers 5000 hectares of native bush.

- NZPA