Search for missing man takes on rugged terrain

Grant Ridley, of Waihi, had not been seen for three days and police said they were concerned because it was out of character. His car was still parked at his house.

Ten Search and Rescue teams are scouring the hills near Waihi in efforts to find a missing man.

Grant Ridley, of Waihi, had not been seen for three days and police said they were concerned because his disappearnce was out of character. His car was still parked at his house.

A police communications spokeswoman said searchers were today combing farmland around the Orokawa Reserve.

"This could take several days due to the rough terrain in the area."

The reserve covers a large piece of coastal land between Waihi and Waihi Beach and offers walking tracks, rock fishing and picnic spots.

Mr Ridley, 46, is 170cm tall and has brown hair styled into a mullet

A specialist dog search team and a plane were also helping in the search, which began yesterday.Mr Ridley's mother told the Bay of Plenty Times last night that she was too upset to talk and did not want to make any comment about the search at this time

Anyone who had seen Mr Ridley or had any other information is urged to call Waihi police on (07) 863 8179.