A police search dog has gone missing in Wairarapa this afternoon, after it was separated from its handler during a training exercise.
The three-year-old German Shepherd named Thames disappeared on Sunday in the Mt Holdsworth area, while taking part in an annual day-long training exercise with Wairarapa Search and Rescue squad members and civilian volunteers.
Police said teams have stayed in the bush overnight as searches of the main tracks and dense bush have so far been unsuccessful.
"Police are hoping Thames, who is more used to tracking and finding people instead of being the subject of a search, is making his way down the mountain and is following stream beds to safety," they said.
Local farmers and others living near the Mt Holdsworth access roads have been asked, along with trampers and outdoor enthusiasts, to keep an eye out for him.
If spotted or found you can contact the Wellington Police District Command Centre on 04 496 3473.
