Search for lost hunter

A search was under way last night for a hunter missing in the Nelson Lakes area.

The 35-year-old failed to show up at a planned meeting point with his father and brother-in-law yesterday afternoon.

Nelson police senior sergeant John Maxwell said the experienced hunter was ill-prepared for the freezing conditions.

Searchers were dropped into the area by helicopter last night, despite difficult weather conditions, and more volunteers were preparing for a wider search this morning.