Canterbury Police are appealing for anyone that has seen or heard from 15 year old Tipene NGATA to get in touch with them. Tipene was not been seen since 1am on Sunday morning (9 November 2014), and was last heard from at around 2am when he spoke to a friend on the phone.
Tipene is described as Maori, solid build, 188cm tall (6’2”) with dark hair that is short at the sides and long at the back. He was last seen wearing a khaki army-style shirt, grey track pants, a purple and yellow Lakers cap and purple skate shoes.
Police understand that Tipene took a quantity of clothing with him in, possibly, a dark red backpack, dark red bag and a blue waterproof bag.
It is not known where Tipene is heading but Police ask everyone in the Pine Beach, Rangiora, Tuahiwi, Woodend or Kaiapoi areas and surrounds to check their gardens and outbuildings and report any disturbances to them.
Police have spent the day following-up on reported sightings of a boy similar to Tipene’s description and gathering background information to enable them to identify and narrow down potential areas to search tomorrow.
Last night Tipene’s family issued the following statement “Tipene we are all really worried about you. We really miss you and just want to know that you are safe. If anyone has seen Tipene please let the Police know. As a family we are very upset and are supporting each other while we try to find you Tipene and ask the media to not approach us directly while we pull together.”
Police and Tipene’s family have concerns for his wellbeing and ask anyone who has seen or heard from him or anyone has any information that may help this search to contact Christchurch Police urgently by calling 03 363 7670 or messaging us on Facebook www.facebook.com/christchurchpolice .
Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District. Mobile: 021 942 404
