By ALISON BROWN in Rotorua
Police are at a loss to explain what happened to Rotorua's Jamie Kininmonth during the two-and-a-half days he was missing this week.
The disabled 25-year-old was reunited with his family yesterday after a member of the public spotted him walking along a Mangere
street shortly after 7am.
Rotorua's John and Beth Kininmonth, who were staying at a South Auckland motel, arrived in Auckland on Wednesday to put up posters of their grandson and search for him.
Senior Sergeant Gaylene Rodgers of the Mangere police said it was an emotional reunion.
"He was very tired and hungry but he was obviously very happy to see his family again."
Due to his brain injury, however, Jamie has been unable to tell police or his family much about what he did after failing to complete a bus journey from Rotorua to Auckland on Monday.
He got off the bus at a scheduled stop in Hamilton to have a cigarette but did not get back on.
Ms Rogers said Jamie told police he had met two people since leaving Hamilton but could not provide them with any further information.
"He indicated he walked to Auckland but the time factor alone has ruled that out as a possibility. We could not get much out of him."
Jamie's sister Rose said the family was incredibly relieved to have him home after several sleepless nights.
Ms Kininmonth said the family was very worried on Monday that her brother's outgoing and friendly personality may have got him into trouble.
"He's lovely. He is real friendly, real easy-going but he has got brain damage so we were worried someone had taken advantage of him."
Jamie's grandparents have been his main caregivers since he was injured in a car accident 10 years ago.
Speaking from Tokyo where he has lived for the past four years, Jamie's father Mark Kininmonth told The Daily Post he was very happy his son was safe. He had booked a flight to New Zealand to help with the search but cancelled it after learning his son had been found.
"I've spent a fortune on phone calls over the past few days," he said.
Mr Kininmonth said his family was overwhelmed by the support from the police and media since his son was reported missing.
- additional reporting by NZPA