KEY POINTS:
The family of an Australian climber believed dead after going climbing in rugged mountain country in Westland are saddened but not surprised to learn of his disappearance.
They are urging others to learn from what happened to James Meredith Morgan, 62, a world authority in agriculture before retiring as a researcher a couple of years ago.
Mr Morgan has not been seen since setting off alone to climb in the Westland National Park in October.
Searches involving helicopters and mountain guides have been hampered by recent snow falls of up to 2m in the area and a high avalanche risk.
He was reported missing only last week because a Conservation officer noticed his vehicle had not moved from the Copland Track car park.
Mr Morgan's family have not seen him in the years since he left Sydney to spend most of his time in New Zealand.
"Often after work he would head off up the steep hills behind his house for a 'quick climb'," Bill and Jenny Morgan told the Herald.
"Climbing was a passion of his, nurtured over many years. Unfortunately, despite the pleas of friends and family, he often went off alone without telling anyone what he was doing, or where he was going. So we were not totally surprised, though distressed, to hear of his disappearance.
"We can only pray for a speedy result to the search and that no one else is injured in the process. We deeply appreciate the efforts of the search and rescue teams and the police in New Zealand."
The family wanted anyone out climbing or tramping alone to realise how easily accidents could happen and go un-noticed.
"If that has been the case this time, imagine how much easier the searchers' job would be now if they'd had some idea what he had planned to do, and how long he had expected to be away. Please make sure someone knows that you are missing."
Mr Morgan retired from the New South Wales Department of Agriculture, where he had developed a worldwide name specialising in wheat.
