Search for overdue hunter

Police are appealing for anyone in the vicinity of the Pureora Forest to keep an eye out for a white double cab Toyota Hilux with sign-written doors.

The vehicle is associated to an Auckland man who has failed to return from a hunting trip, promoting a search and rescue operation.

57-year-old Alan Phillips went hunting alone on Saturday morning.

He spoke to his family at approximately 7pm on Saturday evening (25 April), indicating he would return by Sunday evening and would call if he planned to stay on longer.

There has been no contact since.

Although an experienced hunter, he had food for only one day and no camping equipment,

At this stage police do not know where in the forest he was intending to hunt or where he was intending to park his vehicle.

Anyone who sees his 2012 Hilux, which has McConnell Dowell sign-writing in green and black on the doors, is asked to contact Taupo Police on 07 378 6060.

ENDS

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