Car sightings sought in search for missing man

Police searching for a missing Southland man are calling for sightings of a vehicle he had been using.

Dale Watene was last seen on April 16 in Otautau, police say.

Mr Watene had been using a blue 1995 Isuzu SUV with the registration CGE638.

The vehicle was found by police at Holt Park in Otautau on April 18.

In a statement this evening police said they were seeking information that might help them find Mr Watene, or sightings of his vehicle in the Otautau area between April 15 and 18.

The 40-year-old is described as being 183cm in height and of thin build.

A plea was posted by Mr Watene’s friend Ben Philp on the Otautau Facebook page last week, appealing for information.

"If you see or hear from him please speak up. There are a lot of people worried and searching for you mate," it said.

If you have any information that can assist Police please get in contact with Detective Regan Fahey on 0211915198.