Search for missing man begins

Whetu Teaola Hansen

A Wanganui man is the centre of a missing person investigation in the Manawatu district.

Whetu Tealoa Hansen (above), 48, has been missing since November 24 and Manawatu Police say they are concerned for his safety.

Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison, the officer in charge of the investigation, said police became aware of Mr Hansen's disappearance when they started looking for him on an unrelated matter on December 2.

Mr Harrison said police had then executed a search warrant on December 5 at a rural property on Akers Rd, Linton, where Mr Hansen was known to visit.

He said the police team was working to trace the Wanganui man's movements leading up to his disappearance and the search warrant at that address was part of the inquiry.

Police have about 25 staff working on the investigation and 15 officers were at Akers Rd yesterday searching the main house, a self-contained flat on the property, as well as utility sheds and surrounding farm land.

Mr Hansen is described as being of Maori descent, medium build, approximately 1.72m tall, with brown eyes and dark greying hair. It is not known at this stage what clothing he was wearing when he was last seen.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dave Wilson (06) 213 9595. Tips can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.