Christchurch Police searching for two absconded parolees and an associate are appealing for sightings of a second vehicle used by the men, which was recovered last night.
A silver and black Subaru station wagon, registration no. NW2394, was found late yesterday by a Police search team near the Hawdon Shelter, west of the Mount White Bridge in the Arthur's Pass National Park.
Detective Inspector Tom Fitzgerald says the car is registered to Jamie Campbell, one of three men being sought by Police.
"We believe the men have been in this area, and may still be in or around this location," he says. "We would like to hear from anyone who has seen this vehicle, any time since last Wednesday."
Detective Inspector Fitzgerald says Police also believe the men may be using a blue six-person dome tent and are urging anyone who has seen a tent matching this description to contact Police urgently.
"We are confident the men have been in the area near the Hawdon Shelter and are likely to still be camping in the wider Arthur's Pass National Park area.
"We are asking anyone who has been in the area and seen either the Subaru station wagon, or the blue dome tent, to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
"We are also keen to hear from anyone who has come across signs of camping, such as fires, or rubbish left behind in the bush."
Detective Inspector Fitzgerald says Police search teams remain in the area, with ground-based searchers and a helicopter involved in the search for the men.
Ivan Andrew Campbell, aged 46, and Jaydon Galland, aged 18, absconded from the Salisbury Foundation early on Wednesday morning [7 November].
Ivan Campbell is described as a Caucasian, 177cm (approx 5ft 10in) tall, and of medium-thin build. He has extensive tattoos on his face, neck, and arms. Galland is described as Caucasian, 177cm (approx 5ft 10in) tall, of medium build, with tattoos on his neck.
Their associate goes by the name of Jamie Campbell, also known as Alexander Paul Jones. He is 25 years old and is described as a male Caucasian, tall, of slim to medium build with dark hair and a beard.
Any sightings of the men should be reported urgently to Police by phoning 111, or Christchurch police on (03) 3637400. Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS