A search is on around Taupo for Alan Pritchard, a 78-year-old Alzheimers sufferer, who hasn't been seen since Thursday.
He was last seen putting the rubbish bin out at the gate of his Bonshaw Park residence on Thursday at 9:15am.
He wearing a blue hat with ear flaps, grey trousers, black boots and a grey jacket over a black jersey. He also wears glasses and uses hearing aids.
On Thursday his family searched for him throughout the morning, and called police at 1pm.
Police, Land Search and Rescue volunteers, Taupo Civil Defence and the Rural Fire service have searched for him across Taupo since then.
Despite searching there are still no clues as to where he has gone.
Bonshaw Park is a rural subdivision about 6km east of Taupo. A helicopter has searched forestry and farmland in the area.
The search has been helped by volunteers from around the Waikato, Hawke's Bay and Bay of Plenty. Police say they do not need more searchers now, for health and safety reasons.
"Searchers have experienced challenging weather conditions, terrain and vegetation in the area around Bonshaw Park, and our concern for Mr Pritchard's safety continues to grow," Taupo Police Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said in a statement.
"We thank the local residents, and friends and family of Mr Pritchard who have been looking for him, and encourage others in the area to keep their eyes out."
Police want to hear from anyone who might have information which could help find Mr Pritchard, especially those who live at, work around, or who have visited Bonshaw Park on Thursday morning between 9:15 and 10am.
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