Police say the search for missing tramper Graham Garnett, 66, is moving into a limited search phase as efforts are reviewed and assessed.
Sergeant Jonny Evans of Police Search and Rescue said six ground search teams were deployed yesterday, supported by a New Zealand Defence Force NH90 helicopter, with one team remaining in the field late into the evening.
Police will now consolidate and analyse information gathered over recent days to determine next steps in the operation. Evans thanked all agencies and volunteers involved so far, including Land Search and Rescue, the Department of Conservation, the New Zealand Defence Force, the Rescue Coordination Centre and commercial helicopter operators.
Police continue to appeal for information from anyone who was in the Baton and Ellis River area from the afternoon of Friday 26 December, particularly around Flanagan’s Hut. Any sightings of Mr. Garnett or information that could assist the search can be reported to Police via 105, either by phone or online, quoting reference number P064981672.
