LandSAR Volunteers and Police from Taupo, Turangi, Tokoroa, Waitomo, Hamilton and Rotorua will continue their search today for Kevin Hayward, a 41-year-old Ohaupo pig hunter who has not been seen since Monday (2 July).
The man who lives and hunts alone, was not reported overdue, but staff at the Waipapa Dam on the Waikato River called Police on Tuesday when they noticed that his ute had been parked at the Dam since 10am Monday. They also saw an unaccompanied pig dog running around the ute on Monday afternoon.
It is known that the man is a regular hunter in the area of pine forest on the eastern side of the Waikato River. He is said to be well organised, well equipped and an experienced hunter who only normally goes on a day hunt.
Up to 45 people were involved in the search yesterday, assisted by two LandSAR Dogs, a Police Dog, the Youthtown Rescue helicopter and the Waikato River Harbourmaster. The search will continue today in a similar area as yesterday with further investigation of some clues found.
Yesterday a second dog belonging to the man was found on the western side of the Waikato River a little way upstream of the Dam. Three dogs are still unaccounted for. The two dogs that have been found were wearing tracking collars, and it is thought the others are also wearing them, but this has not helped find them.
A search base has been set up near the Waipapa Dam and the search will be managed from there again today. There is no cell phone coverage in that area.
If anybody has any information which might help this search please call the Tokoroa Police Station 07 885 0100.