A teenager who became separated from a group during a school tramping trip in Hawke's Bay has been found safe following a search and rescue operation.
The missing student was located by a search and rescue helicopter in Ruahine Forest Park and had since been reunited with his parents, Taradale High School confirmed this afternoon.
"We are thrilled to let you know that our student was located by the search and rescue helicopter and is now with his parents," the school said.
"We want to say a huge thank you to the Police, Land Search and Rescue personnel, our staff and everyone else involved in the search."
Hawke's Bay Area Commander Inspector Caroline Martin said officers were made aware just after 7pm on Tuesday a teenager had separated from their group while on a school tramping trip in Ruahine Forest Park.
Police and Land Search and Rescue volunteers responded immediately, and conducted extensive ground searches in the Sunrise Hut area until the early hours of this morning.
The search resumed today, with field teams and specialist resources deployed to the area.
"Today, the search continues, with field teams searching the area and the utilisation of specialist equipment and resources," Martin said earlier.
"We remain in contact with the teenager's family and the school, and are providing them with regular updates.
An earlier statement from Taradale High School said the school was "focused on its students, staff and whānau, and on supporting the student's family while police coordinate the search".
Flight data showed a RNZAF helicopter was also in the area over the Ruahine Forest Park during the search.
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