Search for missing hunter called off

The search for a hunter missing in dense bush southeast of Taumarunui since last Wednesday has been called off.

There has been no sightings of Donald Hooker, 66, after six days of thorough searching, Acting Inspector Steve Mastrovich said in a statement today.

He said searchers had covered about an eight square kilometre area, including gorges and rivers, as well as air searches by helicopter.

Mr Hooker was last seen by a hunting companion early on December 15, when the two men went into the Tongariro Forest near Owhango for a morning hunt.

The two men split up and agreed to meet four hours later, but Mr Hooker did not return.

Mr Hooker was lightly clothed with very little food and equipment, and the area has been cold, with heavy rain, since last Wednesday.

Mr Mastrovich said police and search and rescue (SAR) believe there is now no chance of finding him alive.

He said the police and SAR advisors were satisfied the search for Mr Hooker had been comprehensive, with the high probability areas being searched thoroughly several times over.

Mr Mastrovich paid tribute to the efforts by the Owhango community where Mr Hooker lived with his daughter's family.

"Their generosity and hard work showed an outstanding level of community spirit."

- NZPA