Missing hunters found

Four hunters missing in bush in the Bay of Plenty have been found.

They were reported to be "safe and well".

Earlier police said they held grave fears for the safety of four men, including a teenage boy with a heart condition, missing in remote bush near Whakatane.

Fifteen-year-old Raniera Tekurapa and his older brother Raymond, friend Henry Nikora, 50, and Mr Nikora's 8-year-old grandson went in to the Ruatahuna area on horseback last Thursday on what was intended to be a one-day hunting trip.

But family members became increasingly worried when the men had not made contact after two unplanned nights in the bushy terrain, and alerted the police late yesterday afternoon.

Inspector Scott Webb of the Northern police communications centre said last night that the family did not think Raniera had taken any medication for his heart condition with him.

"Although the two older men are experienced hunters, we do hold fears for their safety, particularly the safety of the younger men and the boy with the medical condition.

"Some people will go in for a day and stay a night because of the weather. But this is a bit longer than expected."

The men were only planning to go as far as Ohaua Marae, which was only 10kms in from the start of the track.

Conditions in the area have over the past few days been wet and cold.

Inspector Webb did not believe the men were prepared for three nights in the isolated, hilly area.

A search and rescue team was last night searching around the Tawhiwhi and Takura Hut areas.

A helicopter was being used to help because of the poor visibility.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY, NZPA