Two arrested over alleged Queenstown kidnapping

Armed police raid a property in Queenstown in connection to the alleged kidnapping of Joseph Armstrong (inset). Photos / Otago Daily Times, NZ Police

Police have arrested two men in relation to an alleged kidnapping in Queenstown.

But officers are still actively seeking former Southland rugby player Pita Wilson, 38, and Joshua Veint, 23.

And there a still concerns for the alleged victim, 22-year-old Joseph Armstrong, who has not been located.

"He may be in need of medical attention," Otago Rural relieving area commander Inspector Olaf Jensen said.

Officers arrested a 17-year-old of no fixed abode in Queenstown early today. He has been charged with kidnapping and is due to appear in Queenstown District Court on Monday.

A Queenstown man, 36, was arrested in Invercargill yesterday evening. He has been charged with being an accessory after the fact to injuring. He has been released on bail.

Officers yesterday located two vehicles they had been searching for, a Toyota Hilux and Suzuki car.

Mr Jensen said Wilson, Veint and Armstrong may no longer be in the Queenstown area.

Police yesterday warned the public not to approach Wilson or Veint. Anyone who saw them was advised to call 111.

Mr Armstrong was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday.

On Friday evening, armed offenders squad officers raided at least two addresses in the Queenstown area.

They used flash bangs to storm a house on Frankton Road, and squads drove towards Glenorchy where Wilson is understood to own a quarry.

Wilson, who made the Southland squad in 2003 after a stint with North Harbour, was shot five times on the Gold Coast in a suspected gang-related incident in June 2006.

Anybody with information on the whereabouts of these men should contact the Queenstown Police on (03) 441 1600 or, to provide information anonymously, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.