Mother urges Invercargill man on the run Tamati Hemi Kohey to hand himself in

Tamati Kohey is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Photo / Police

Police have warned the public about an Invercargill man on the run, but his mother is hoping she can appeal to his softer side.

Tamati Hemi Kohey is wanted on a warrant to arrest for wilful damage after failing to appear in the Invercargill District Court.

Police today called for information leading to the 30-year-old's arrest on the Southern District Police Facebook page.

They said Kohey is considered dangerous and should not be approached.

"If you have seen Mr Kohey or have information which may help police to locate him, please contact Invercargill police.''

In response to the message, his mother appealed for her son to hand himself in and atone for his crime.

"Tama Kohey, give yourself up,'' the message from his mother on the page said.

"If you do the crime, do the time. Why run when you know that they will get you in the end.

"I'm only putting this out there as it is time for you to grow up and make better choices in your life as I am your mum and I only want what is best in the long run.''

His mother signed the message: "Much love, mum xxxx''.

Tamati Kohey is also known to use the names Tamati Graham and Rikki Attwood.

He is described as having a medium-to-thin build, with short dark hair and approximately 1.73m tall.

He is believed to be in Christchurch but may have recently made his way to Invercargill.

Invercargill police (03) 211-0400, Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.