Search on for missing 14-year-old in Taranaki
Police are searching for a missing 14-year-old Hawera High School student Phillip Pierson who went missing yesterday
afternoon while on a supervised navigation exercise on Mt Taranaki.
A search and rescue operation commenced yesterday afternoon with search parties on foot, the Taranaki Community Rescue
Helicopter and an RNZAF helicopter but overnight failed to find him.
The search was suspended at 0200hrs this morning, but recommenced at first light with the Police Eagle Helicopter using
infra-red technology and the Police Search and Rescue (SAR) team on foot.
Phillip became separated from a group of ten students on a Topec course around noon yesterday and has not been seen or
heard from since.
Area Commander Inspector Keith Borrell said Phillip is wearing suitable clothing and has the appropriate outdoor
equipment; however police are very keen to locate him this morning. Police are working with Phillip's family and are
providing support.
"Phillip is suitably dressed for outdoor activities but has had limited outdoor experience. We are working together with
Topec who run the outdoor pursuits navigation course and we know that Phillip had suitable gear for this routine
navigation exercise," he said.
ENDS