21 Jan 2022

Police suspend search for man missing in Northland bush

1:00 pm on 21 January 2022

The search for a man missing in the Pipiwai forest area has been suspended.

Kukama Waa who has physical and intellectual impairments - missing in Northland since 5 Jan

Photo: Supplied / NZ police

Kukama Waa, 58, has been missing since 5 January in an area described by police as remote with rugged terrain.

Waa is hearing impaired and also has physical and intellectual impairments, police said.

After extensive search efforts, police said the decision to suspend physical searching was made yesterday.

After the missing persons report was made on 5 January, a large search involving specialist search teams and dogs, as well as the Eagle helicopter, was undertaken.

Police will continue to investigate the disappearance and follow any leads, Senior Sergeant Cliff Metcalfe said.

Anyone with any information or sightings of Waa is asked to call police on 105, quoting file number 220106/6085.