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