The major search operation for two men missing in Tongariro National Park will continue this weekend.
Police staff and the Police National Dive Squad, LandSAR teams and a rescue helicopter have been involved in the search today.
Finishing the sixth day of the search, no further items of interest have been found today. The dive squad will continue to join the search tomorrow.
A helicopter was used by the search management team, based at Taupo Police Station, to get a refreshed visualisation of the area.
Aerial images are attached of the dense bush searchers are dealing with.
Inspector Tony Jeurissen says further planning has been carried out today ready for another extensive search tomorrow.
“Unfortunately, they have still not been found but today’s work has identified further areas of interest,” he says.
A major search is tasked for tomorrow with further resources.
“For the seventh day, more LandSAR volunteers will be arriving, including returned searchers and those who are new to this operation,” says Inspector Jeurissen.
“We extend our thanks to the continued efforts of staff, volunteers and representative members of Ngāti Tūwharetoa who have all assisted in this extensive operation.
“We all remain determined to bring these two men home to their whānau.”
ENDS
Police Media Centre
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