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Source: ONE News
The search for a 19-year-old Wellington man who failed to turn up after a tramp in the Otaki Forks area of the Tararua Ranges, north of Wellington, has been expanded.
Police say the man was due to meet his father after a four day tramp. He was last seen on Tuesday at Waiotauru Hut by a hunter and police were called on Thursday when he failed to meet his father.
Two teams were sent on Friday from Levin and Wellington and searched an area around the hut. Helicopters were used but thick cloud limited their visibility.
Teams have been sent on Saturday from Horowhenua, Manawatu, Tararua, and Wellington expanding the search area and lifting the total number of searchers to 56.
An Air Force Iroquois helicopter is also helping.
Police say the weather is deteriorating with low cloud at present and heavy rain expected.
The missing tramper has not been named.
