A Whataroa man who has not been seen for a week was the subject of a full-scale police search and rescue exercise in South Westland today.
West Coast police response manager senior sergeant Brent Cook said police joined with local search and rescue volunteers at first light looking for the man on a track close to the township.
Details of the man, including his age and the precise location of where he was last believed to have been, were not yet available.
Cook said the fact the man was missing for a week was only reported to police on Tuesday after they were notified of concerns for his well-being and safety.
Police were today working with members of the man's family and friends to get a better handle on the circumstances around the disappearance to determine the search area.
