Manawatu Police are concerned for the safety of missing 48-year-old Whanganui man, Whetu Teaola Hansen and have launched a missing person investigation in an effort to locate him.
Mr Hansen has been missing since Sunday the 24th of November, 2013. Police became aware of his disappearance when they started looking for him on an unrelated matter on Monday 2nd December.
A search warrant was executed on the 5th of December at a rural property on Akers Road, Linton, where Mr Hansen was known to visit.
Officer in charge of the investigation Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison says: "Police have serious concerns for Mr Hansen's safety and we believe that there are unexplained reasons behind his disappearance, of which we cannot elaborate further on except to say that they are a cause for concern."
"The investigation team are working to trace Mr Hansen's movements leading up to his disappearance and the search warrant at this address forms part of our inquiries. Officers at the property are looking for any evidence that shows he has been at the property recently.
"We also want to speak to anyone that may have any information about his whereabouts, or any other information that could help us with our investigation and I encourage those people to contact Police."
Officers are also making inquires with Mr Hansen's family and friends in an effort to research his daily routine and activities.
Approximately 25 staff are working on the investigation. A team of 15 officers are at the property today and their focus is on searching the main house, a self-contained flat on the property, as well as utility sheds and surrounding farm land.
"We want to thank the community for their patience and understanding as we carry out our search. I want to reassure residents that they need not fear for their safety.
"I also want to take this opportunity to address media reports that officers guarding the property with machine guns are totally incorrect; the New Zealand Police do not have machine guns. The deployment of armed officers is for staff security and to protect the integrity of the scene while the thorough examination is being carried out.
"The search is expected to be completed by mid-next week and we are also currently making inquiries both in the Manawatu and Whanganui," says Detective Senior Sergeant Harrison.
Mr Hansen is described as being of Maori descent, medium build, approximately 5'8 in height, with brown eyes and dark greying hair. It is unknown at this stage the specifics of his clothing when he was last seen.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dave Wilson (06) 213 9595. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Further updates will be made once more information becomes available.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.
