Family pleads for help in finding missing motorist

File Photo / NZ Herald

Alex Binns turns 70 on Wednesday but instead of celebrating, his family are pleading for help to find him.

Mr Binns left Taumarunui by car for his Hastings home on Thursday but never arrived. Air and land searches have failed to find any trace of him.

Son-in-law Matt Twist urged the public to report any sightings of Mr Binns or his car, a silver Ford Falcon registration XB 8100.

Mr Binns' disappearance was totally out of character for an "A to B man", Mr Twist said.

He had recently suffered a dizzy spell but was otherwise in good health.

"I would ask the public to please report any sightings of Alex since Thursday," he said.

"He would take stops when driving this route using cafes and public toilets along the way. We just need to know where he is, so if anyone has seen him please contact the police."

Mr Binns was a "happy-go-lucky, smiley man", his son-in-law said.

"He is very caring and loving and would give his shirt off his back for anyone."

Mr Binns turns 70 on Wednesday and had plans for the next two weekends to celebrate with family and friends, Mr Twist said.

Earlier today, police today said a member of the public reported seeing a man fitting Mr Binns' description in Tokaanu, 5km north-west of Turangi, about midday on Thursday.

"(We) believe this probably was Mr Binns as friends have said that Tokaanu was a rest stop (he) used when he made the trip from Taumarunui to Hastings, a trip he made regularly," police said in a statement.

Family and friends have driven the route themselves and planned to organise a second helicopter search if heavy wind and rains ease.

Mr Binns is described as Caucasian of solid build, with grey hair.

- NZPA