Workers and residents in parts of Porirua are being asked to check their yards for a missing 77-year-old man.
Police said Graham Russell Smith was reported missing at 6.30pm after going for a walk on Doctor Track on the Colonial Knob walkway.
“The area has multiple walkways and mountain bike trails in the area and is an extremely popular area for walkers, day trampers and mountain bikers,” Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Middlemiss said.
“It’s likely some members of the public have seen Graham, and we would like to hear from anyone who saw or interacted with him.”
Smith is around 165cm tall, of slight build, and was wearing a blue puffer jacket and brown corduroy pants.
“He is potentially suffering dementia and has difficulty hearing,” Middlemiss said.
“A significant search effort is underway to locate him, and we are concerned for his welfare.”
He added: “Workers in the industrial and commercial area near Rangituhi/Colonial Knob, southwest of Porirua, are asked to check their yards, out buildings, sheds, and work sites for Graham.
“We are also asking residents to check their yards if they are in the areas of Elsdon, Kenepuru Landing, or on the western hills of Tawa that back onto the scenic reserve.”
Anyone who sees Smith, or knows his whereabouts, has been asked to call 111.