KEY POINTS:
Cameron Dormer, who was found in Wellington yesterday after a search lasting several days, has appeared in court.
He entered no plea in the Wellington District Court to charges of possession of cannabis, using cannabis and wasting police time.
He was remanded on bail.
His father, John Dormer, gave a brief comment to the media after his son's court appearance. "We're just glad he's back," he said.
Dormer's family say they are "relieved but still confused" after the Hastings man was found in a motel with another person last night.
It is not known who that person is or what their relationship - if any - was to Mr Dormer who jumped out a window when police arrived at the motor inn at about 6pm.
He was found in the grounds of a nearby school and taken to Wellington Central police station for questioning.
Concern had been growing for the safety of the 25-year-old who had not been heard from since Saturday when he sent his partner Clinton Hughes a message saying he was being followed by a car.
Six hours later his white Honda Accord - Mr Dormer's "pride and joy" - was found burning near Katikati in the Bay of Plenty, triggering fears something sinister had happened to him.
Police said yesterday that they were investigating reports Mr Dormer had been seen on a bus travelling from New Plymouth to Wellington on Sunday.
Last night, after following a lead from a man in New Plymouth, they found him alive and well in a Wellington motor inn.
Police were also speaking with the New Plymouth man who led them to Mr Dormer and said it was too early to say if charges would be laid against him.
Detective Sergeant Mike Foster said the weekend's events surrounding Mr Dormer were still a mystery.
"We will be talking at length with Mr Dormer to try to ascertain what took place at the weekend.
"We are hoping he can give us an insight into why these events took place. But at the moment, we have no idea why they occurred."
Mr Dormer's brother Elliot said his family were relieved last night but still confused about what had happened.
They knew few details and weren't sure if they would be heading to Wellington to see Mr Dormer or if he would be brought home to them.
His partner Clinton Hughes was rung by police and told the news at 6.20pm.
"All I've been told is that he has just been found ... They didn't say if he was with anybody else.
"I just feel relieved in a way, at least he is safe. I know he's alive now."
Earlier in the day Mr Hughes, 23, had made an impassioned plea for his boyfriend's safety. He said he initially feared the worst but was then shocked by the sighting on the bus.
"I'm not angry with him at all, I love him. It doesn't matter what's happened, I still love him."
Mr Hughes had no idea who the man was that police were interviewing and nor did Mr Dormer's brother, Elliot, who did not believe the man could be another boyfriend because, he said, Mr Dormer was happy with Mr Hughes.
Mr Dormer moved from New Plymouth to Hastings four years ago to live with Mr Hughes, and has been described by both friends and family as a very private person.
Mr Dormer's New Plymouth-based father, John, suspected his son could have worked himself into a "mental state", despite appearing fine on a visit to New Plymouth last Thursday.
- additional reporting NZPA