A man who fled a minimum security unit at a prison south of Te Awamutu this morning is known to have links in both the Hamilton and Rotorua areas.
Robert John WIKAERE, 19, a minimum security inmate at Waikeria Prison, was last seen running across paddocks to the rear of a minimum security unit about 6.30am.
Te Awamutu Police were called and backed up by a Hamilton based dog and prison staff began a search for WIKAERE.
When last seen WIKAERE, who is described as a male Maori of medium build about 177cm in height, was wearing prison uniform.
WIKAERE'S current hairstyle is described as being quite a distinctive being cut in a Mohawk style however the sides are not completely bald but of a short length.
Anyone with any information on WIKAERE'S whereabouts or who sees him is asked to contact Te Awamutu Police on 07 872 0100.
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