Napier’s Taradale High School notified parents on Wednesday morning about the missing student.
A search and rescue operation was underway after the teenager was reported missing in Ruahine Forest Park on a hiking trip to Sunrise Hut.
“Late yesterday [Tuesday] afternoon, a student participating in an overnight outdoor education trip became separated from their group while on a hike,” the Taradale High School email read.
Taradale High School has notified parents about the situation. Photo / NZME
“Police and Land Search and Rescue were notified, and a search operation began yesterday evening.
“Search efforts resumed early this morning and remain ongoing, with police co-ordinating the operation.
“Taradale High School remains focused on supporting the student’s family and school community while police co-ordinate the search.
“The students who were participating in the trip are returning to school.
“Members of the Senior Leadership Team and support staff will be available for students and their families.
“Wellbeing and pastoral support is available for students, staff and whānau and will continue as needed.
“Our focus remains on supporting the student’s family and the wellbeing of our students, staff and school community.
Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine Forest Park, Hawke’s Bay. Photo / Shaun Barnett
“We thank police, Land Search and Rescue personnel, and everyone involved in the search effort for their ongoing work.”
The school said the school community would be notified of updates.
A Taradale High School staff member said the principal was “on site”.
A spokesperson for the school said they were focused on its students, staff and whānau, and on supporting the student’s family while police coordinated the search.
Hawke’s Bay Police area commander Inspector Caroline Martin said a search and rescue operation was underway after a teenager was reported missing in Ruahine Forest Park.
“Around 7.10pm on Tuesday, police were made aware a teenager had separated from their group while on a school tramping trip and was missing.
“Police, alongside Land Seach and Rescue volunteers, responded immediately and conducted extensive ground searches in the Sunrise Hut area until the early hours.
The Ruahine Forest Park in winter.
“Today, the search continues, with field teams searching the area and the utilisation of specialist equipment and resources.
“We remain in contact with the teenager’s family and the school, and are providing them with regular updates.
“Police are focused on locating the teenager.
“While our search is ongoing, police ask the public to avoid the area to ensure our search efforts are not compromised.”
MetService said weather conditions in the area of the hut, a two- to three-hour hike from North Block Rd carpark, Wakarara, were good, with warmer overnight temperatures before a cold snap expected from Thursday afternoon.
If you have information that may assist the search, please contact police on 111, referencing P067927294.