Attributable to Area Prevention Manager, Inspector Phillip Gillbanks
Search and Rescue teams have today located the missing hunters from Raukumara Forest Park.
The two 15-year-old teenagers were reported overdue from their day hunting trip yesterday at 11.10am, after already spending one unplanned night in the bush.
Police Search and Rescue and LandSAR volunteers from Whakatane, Tauranga and Rotorua, spent the day searching for the missing hunters.
After an extensive search this morning, the two teenagers were located just after midday by a LandSAR search team.
The pair were winched from the bush by a NZDF helicopter.
They are currently being assessed by NZDF Medical staff and appear to be uninjured.
We would like to remind people to always prepare for any eventuality when venturing into the outdoors.
NZ conditions and terrain can be unforgiving, and it pays to always have the necessary clothing and equipment to spend a night in the bush regardless of your intentions.
Police would like to thank everyone who took part in the searching and planning that assisted in locating the hunters.
