Appeal for sightings of Gisborne man

Photo / Doug Sherring

Gisborne police are urging residents in rural areas to check their properties for sightings of a man who disappeared nearly a week ago.

Ernest Spreiter, a 58-year-old sickness beneficiary, left his Ormond Road, Gisborne, home on September 7 to go for a walk and has not been seen since.

Senior Sergeant Maui Aben of Gisborne police Mr Spreiter was believed to have "gone into the bush" and he asked the public to pay special attention to rural properties and bush-clad areas.

He said Mr Spreiter had "gone for a walk before but he returned", he told The Gisborne Herald.

Mr Spreiter, who speaks with a Swiss accent, is described as 1.8 metres tall, of slender build and has dark, short hair.

He was believed to have been wearing blue jeans and a dark long-sleeved top.

- NZPA