Family relieved hunter found

The family of a hunter missing in bush as temperatures dropped to near freezing is relieved he has been found and still has his "cheeky smile".

Matthew Whiti, aka Gibb, and another hunter went into the Makahika forest, east of Levin, yesterday but for some reason got separated.

When one man didn't return to the vehicle, the other raised the alarm.

There were fears for the 27-year-old's safety as temperatures dropped to 2degC overnight and it was believed Mr Whiti wasn't prepared to stay out all night.

Search and Rescue in an Air Force NH90 scouring the area found the missing hunter at about midday near a stream.

A medic was winched down to support the hunter who was picked up and flown to Levin Showgrounds where an ambulance awaited.

When NZME arrived at the showgrounds, Mr Whiti was being treated by paramedics but his very concerned sister, Chanelle McLean, said they were relieved the "keen hunter" had been found.

They had been worried all night, she said.

"He was walking with a bit of a limp but he's still got his cheeky smile," she said.

It is understood Mr Whiti may have injured his leg and have hypothermia.

A police spokesman said the alarm was raised by his hunting companion on Tuesday when he didn't turn up where they had agreed to meet.

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