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A forestry block is being searched by police hunting for Ross Simon Fraser after his former partner was found dead in her home on Monday.
Detective Sergeant Rex Barnett said police will be using two search dogs in the patch of bush where Mr Fraser has worked in the past.
Mr Barnett said there had been sightings of Mr Ross, 43, in the area.
On Monday Joanne Thompson, a 46-year-old Waiau woman, was found dead in the bathroom of her home.
Police said on Wednesday that she had suffered a "prolonged and violent assault" leading up to her death.
They were called after neighbours reported her two children, aged four and six, wandering outside.
Police have said Mr Fraser is considered dangerous and should not be approached. He is described as European, 1.7m tall, slim and with shoulder length scruffy hair.
- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA
