Rotorua man still missing after a month
It’s been more than a month, with no result in the search for missing man Nigel Peterson.
Nigel, 33, has autism. He was last seen in Rotorua, heading towards Old Taupo¯ Rd and his family think he may be trying to get to Whakatane, but will not know the way.
Extensive searches for Nigel have found no trace of him but Police and Land Search and Rescue last week searched the Tumunui area south of Rotorua and out towards Lake Rerewhaaitu on SH38.
Because Nigel cannot communicate effectively, he will not ask for help so people who see him are asked to keep him in their sight and immediately contact police on 111.
Nigel, 33, is slim and of medium height. After a month he will look unkempt with ginger facial hair. He has a limping gait, often wrings his hands and could be talking to himself. He was wearing a green T-shirt, light brown pants, brown sneakers and possibly a denim jacket.
More than 150 volunteers have so far been involved in the search for Nigel, with Rerewhaaitu locals also driving the streets and leaving food outside their homes in case Nigel was in the area and needed it.
Police are still calling for sightings of Nigel, who may have moved into the Taupo¯ area.
Nigel’s dad Chris Peterson said the family was hoping beyond hope for his safe return.
“He’s out there on his own and he will definitely want to come back but he just doesn’t know how to ask for help.
“We haven’t found him, and we haven’t found a body, so he has to still be moving.” - NZME
Information and sightings should be passed to Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.