Hunt for missing police dog scaled back

The 3-year-old sable-coloured German Shepherd, called Thames, went missing during a team training exercise. Photo / NZ Police

The search for police dog Thames, who has been missing in the Wairarapa since Sunday, is being scaled back.

The 3-year-old German shepherd was working with a search and rescue team on a day-long exercise when he was separated from his handler, sparking a frantic search of the Mt Holdsworth area of Tararua Forest Park.

Police said the official search for Thames would be reduced during the next few days, but several police staff would be using their days off to join his handler, Constable Mike Wakefield, in scouring the Totara Creek area for Thames.

Head of Wellington police dog section Senior Sergeant Mark Davidson said police appreciated the many offers of help and supportive messages that had been received from concerned members of the public.

"It's humbling to know so many people care about Thames and feel for his handler and family.

"Although we will still have some people in the bush in the coming days it is unfortunately now a bit of a waiting game."

Police were asking trampers and hunters who planned to be in the Mt Holdsworth and Totara Creek area over the weekend to keep an eye out for Thames and let police know if there was any sign of him.