Student missing overnight from school hike, search underway

A large search is underway to locate a Hawke’s Bay school student missing overnight from a school hike. 

A Napier school, Taradale High School, notified parents on Wednesday morning about the missing student. 

Police have since confirmed a police search and rescue operation is underway after the teenager was reported missing in the Ruahine Forest Park. 

It is understood the teenager was involved in 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. 

The Sunrise track leads to Sunrise Hut, a popular tramping destination in the Ruahine Range, Hawke's Bay. Photo / Shaun Barnett 

“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. 

“We thank police, Land Search and Rescue personnel, and everyone involved in the search effort for their ongoing work.” 

Police say the student is missing in Ruahine Forest Park. 

The school said the school community would be notified of any updates. 

A Taradale High School staff member said the principal was “on site” and the school would provide a comment when possible. 

Hawke’s Bay Police area commander Inspector Caroline Martin said a police 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. 

“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.” 

If you have information that may assist the search, please contact police on 111, referencing P067927294.