Concern for missing Coromandel hunter

Police are concerned after the hunter failed to return from an overnight trip. Photo / File

Waikato police are concerned for the safety of a Coromandel hunter who never returned from an overnight hunting trip.

District Search and Rescue Coordinator, Sergeant Vince Ranger, said it was out of character for 50-year-old Kaimarama man Scott Grant Driver not to return home as he usually only went out for a few hours. Then searchers found his two pitbull terrier dogs.

"Mr Driver had been out hunting with two pitbull terrier dogs between Cooks Beach and Hahei yesterday but failed to return home overnight.

"Concerned friends and relatives conducted an unsuccessful search, which included the use of a helicopter, for him overnight and raised the alarm with police this morning. About 20 Land Search and Rescue volunteers and a Coastguard launch have been searching for him today and were joined by the Auckland based Police Eagle Helicopter.

"Further concerns were raised when we recovered his two dogs.

"Temperatures overnight were very cool and the same is expected tonight. Mr Driver was described as wearing a black beanie, olive green bush shirt, dark coloured hunting pants and gumboots when he headed out and we don't believe that he had food or equipment to sustain him over an overnight hunt."

Mr Ranger said searchers would remain in the area today and into the night but were also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Mr Driver out on the road between Cooks Beach or Hahei, or on the main road, SH25.

"Anyone who may have seen someone in the area matching this description is asked to contact their nearest police station."