“We ask anyone who has climbed Mt Huxley or has been tramping or hunting in the Huxley River South Branch between December 28 and January 2 to make contact with Police if they haven’t already.

“We also want to hear from anyone who may have seen or spoken to Connor in the South Temple, Ahuriri or Huxley valleys in that same timeframe.”

Purvis has red hair and a handlebar moustache, Sheat said.

The search is being carried out by police search and rescue teams, joined by Land Search and Rescue teams, the Department of Conservation’s alpine rescue team from Aoraki/Mt Cook, and air support from Heliventures in Oamaru and Helicopter Line at Mt Cook.

“We urge anyone with information to get in touch with us as soon as possible,” Sheat said.

“It’s a large-scale search over a large area, and the smallest piece of information could make all the difference.”

Information can be provided at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 260102/2266.