Missing police officer found

A Palmerston North police officer with extensive search and rescue experience has been found after spending a night in rugged conditions on the Kapiti Coast.

Sergeant Andy Brooke, aged 50, was reported overdue about 9pm yesterday after going tramping in "rugged" terrain at Otaki Forks, about 20km from Otaki, on Thursday, Palmerston North rural area commander Brett Calkin said.

Police spokeswoman Kim Perks said Mr Brooke and his jack russell dog were found shortly before 4pm.

She said 10 search and rescue teams and two helicopters, including one air force helicopter, had been involved in the search.

Mr Brooke, who works as a search and rescue manager, had no injuries and was now being debriefed, she said.

He had been setting up a search and rescue exercise scheduled for next weekend.

Mr Calkin said a Land Search and Rescue team began a search of the area last night and three more teams joined the hunt at first light.

- NZPA