Sons ask public to help bring dad home

William Davies with family members. Photo / Supplied, Doug Sherring

Two sons of an elderly Auckland man missing since Wednesday have made an emotional appeal for sightings of their dad.

William 'Bill' Davies, 74, hasn't been seen since he left a care facility in Albany, North Shore, around 10am.

Two of his three sons, Greg and Glenn Davies, said it was the third time their father had gone missing and they feared for his wellbeing.

William Davies' sons Glenn and Greg are appealing for help from the public. Photo / Doug Sherring

Greg said he had last seen his dad on Father's Day last weekend and he had been in good spirits.

"In the past he has always been brought back the same day," he said. "This will be the fourth day he has been out in cold weather and he won't be in a good way.

"Every time we get a call we are nervous about what that might be."

Glenn said concerned members of the public had found and helped their father the other times he had left the care home.

"We would ask anyone who thinks they may have seen him to contact the police."

Detective Kellie Osbourne said several reports of a possible sighting had been looked into but had so far drawn a blank.

"We need further information and help from the public," she said.

Davies suffers from a brain disorder and will have missed many doses of his medication.

He is likely to be immobile and unable to think clearly, police said.

Davies has no money or cellphone with him.

Earlier today, Police described his situation as "very grim".

Police search and rescue squads have combed parks on the North Shore and central Auckland.

William 'Bill' Davies, 74, was last seen on Wednesday at his Albany rest home. Photo / NZ Police

Police have also been checking regularly with hospitals and examining CCTV footage from the area.

William Davies was last seen wearing a blue polar fleece top, dark trackpants, a black shirt and sandals without socks.

Greg Davies said it was possible his dad travelled into central Auckland by bus from Bass Rd to familiar football grounds after leaving the care home.

"The SubFootball league competitions used to be held at three main venues - the Domain, Walker Park (Pt Chevalier) and Seymour Park (Epsom)," he said.

"He may have been trying to get to one of these locations and may have encountered someone along the way and engaged them in a discussion about the sport he was passionate about.

"If so, we and the Police want to hear from whoever he spoke with or whoever might have seen him."

Anyone with any information should contact police immediately on 111. Information can also be provided to the North Shore police on (09) 477 5261.