The family of a missing French national says they are "devastated with worry" as they make a plea for sightings, more than a week since he was last seen.
Antoine Richard, 21, was last seen in Crowmwell, Central Otago, on the evening of March 21, leaving the Victoria Arms Hotel at around midnight. He has not been seen or heard from since.
A search across land and water was launched, with police dive teams called in to help. Land search and rescue members, including police, Coastguard and "many members of the community", have all helped with efforts to find him.
A grey Croc-branded sandal was found on the shore of Lake Dunstan last week.
In a statement this morning, Richard's family said: "We have been devastated with worry since we heard the news.
"We are writing on behalf of his entire family, his friends, his colleagues in France and New Zealand, and all the people he loves, in the hope of finding him as soon as possible."
The family said he had been playing rugby with the Cromwell team before going to the hotel at 11.30pm.
He was last seen leaving by the venue's cameras wearing a black shirt, light denim shorts and Crocs.
"We have had no news from him since," the family said.
"An enormous amount of work has already been carried out by the Police, the Search and Rescue team, Carrick winery where he worked, his friends, the Cromwell Rugby Team, local residents, and everyone who has taken part in the search.
"We are infinitely grateful to them."
The family made a plea for anyone who found a Croc matching the ones he was last seen wearing to contact police.
They urged property owners in the region to check their surroundings, gardens, and outbuildings, and to review any available security footage.
They also said anyone who may have given a lift to someone matching Richard's description in the early hours of March 22 should contact the police.
Police made a similar plea, "wanting to hear from anybody who may have seen anyone matching Antoine’s description", hitchhiking or walking in Cromwell in the early hours of March 22.
"We remain dedicated and focused on locating Antoine."
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