Mauao Track reopened

Police advise that the track around the base of Mount Maunganui has now reopened, following an unsuccessful search of the area this morning.

A Police dog team spent around four and a half hours carrying out a search of the area from first light, but without success, finishing around 11.30am.

Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair, of Bay of Plenty Police, said the search had been carried out in response to recent reports of an usual odour in the area.

"We are satisfied we have now completed a very thorough search of the area and there is nothing untoward," Mr Wright-St Clair said.

This included a search of the shoreline from the Mt Maunganui SurfLifesaving Club around to the beach area where local boy Jack Dixon was reported missing from on 1 October. It also included thorough searches of the base track, hill and bush area.

Police are also still looking for local man Stephen Tracey, who went missing from Mt Maunganui on 27 September after telling family he was going for a walk but did not return.

Mr Wright-St Clair said while the search for both Stephen and Jack was suspended, Police would actively work on any new information that came to light.

"We thank everyone for their patience while the search was undertaken and apologise for any inconvenience this caused."

ENDS

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