Searchers looking for missing man find body

John Campbell. Photo / Supplied

A police search and rescue team looking for missing Pahiatua man John Campbell have found a body.

Mr Campbell, 64, was last seen leaving his Pahiatua home, in the Tararua district, for work at 6.45am yesterday.

His white Toyota Starlet was found at the intersection of Woodlands and Oxford roads in Woodville, 20km from his home, about 30 minutes later.

Police central districts communications manager Kim Perks today said a man's body had been found in a gully stream on a pine plantation near Hope Road, about 1km from Mr Campbell's abandoned vehicle, shortly before 2pm.

The body had not yet been formally identified but was believed to be that of Mr Campbell, she said.

Mr Campbell did not know anyone in Woodville and had no known reason to be there.

He was in good physical health, had no known medical conditions and his disappearance was completely out of character.

Ms Perks said cause of death was unclear but there was nothing to suggest it was suspicious.

- NZPA