Search on for missing DOC worker

Police search and rescue teams are looking for a man missing in bush in the Ruapehu district.

The search is taking place in the Rangataua area off State Highway 49, where the Department of Conservation contract worker failed to return after laying rat bait in the Rotokura Lakes area yesterday.

Inspector Mike Coleman, of police central communications, said the man had been in cellphone contact with his employer last night but a search today had so far failed to find him.

Search and rescue teams from Marton and Wanganui are scouring the rugged area.

- NZPA