Man missing in Waipoua Forest

Waipoua Forest. Photo / Northern Advocate

Police are appealing for information about a 36-year-old man who has been missing in the Waipoua Forest in Northland for almost a week.

Troy Adrian Liddington, from Whangaparaoa Peninsula, 48km northeast of Auckland, was last seen leaving a house near the Department of Conservation headquarters in the forest about 4pm on Wednesday, police said.

On the day of his disappearance, Mr Liddington told his brother, who was visiting the area with him, that he was going for a walk.

Police said Mr Liddington was not well-prepared for walking in the bush, but he was known to be a good bushman and able to survive.

When he did not return by Friday, his family alerted police.

A search and rescue team began a search on Friday afternoon and continued on Saturday with the help of Mr Liddington's family.

Police called off the search on Saturday evening, but his family continue looking for him.

Mr Liddington is Maori, 1.8m tall and weighs about 127kg. When he disappeared he was wearing size 11 steel capped boots, black track pants and a blue top.

Police said he also had a lighter tied around his neck and was wearing a bone carving in the shape of a half horse/half person.

His head and face had been shaved.

Anyone who may have seen the missing man or have any information is urged to contact police.

- NZPA