Search for hunter to continue

The search for missing Dunedin hunter Murray Edge will continue today after heavy rain made it too dangerous to continue yesterday, police say.

Canterbury Rural Area commander Inspector Dave Gaskin said police were working on several theories to find Mr Edge (64), who went missing on April 19 while hunting with a friend about 40 minutes inland from Timaru.

Insp Gaskin said about 60 people searched about 5sq km in ''very bad weather'' last week.

On Friday, police reviewed search data and identified areas of high probability within the original search area and nearby terrain, he said.

The area was not safe to search yesterday because of heavy rain and low visibility.

Insp Gaskin said police had talked to several people, including hunters, who had been in the area since Mr Edge was last seen.

Police were certain they had talked to most hunting groups who had legally or illegally been in the area.

''But if there is anyone we haven't spoken to, by all means, come and see us. It would be great to put some finality to this for the family.''

Farmers had told police poaching was a continual problem in the area, he said.

''Farmers there are reasonably happy for people to go on their property to shoot animals. They just want to know where they are and only want one group at a time.''

Police were searching the area Mr Edge had permission to hunt on and a property next door.

''We are not saying they are on that property - we are saying it is an area of interest.''

Mr Edge's Toyota Surf was forensically examined last week, Insp Gaskin said.

The search would continue for a ''wee while yet'' and police were keeping an open mind.

''The search will not be suspended until every avenue has been followed through to the end and every inquiry has been carried out.''

shawn.mcavinue@odt.co.nz

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