A five-year-old autistic boy is missing after becoming separated from his family on a bush walk near Wellington.
The boy went missing after running ahead of the family about 3:45pm on a track in Rimutaka Forest Park, south of Wainuiomata.
The family tried to catch up a short time later but he had disappeared, Inspector Mike Coleman of the police central communications centre said.
Insp Coleman said the boy's autism meant he was unlikely to respond to searchers' calls.
"We've got quite a formidable team of search and rescue staff scouring the area," he said.
"They are getting thermal imaging equipment but the winds have picked up and it's raining."
The boy was wearing warm clothes which will help him keep warm if not located tonight, police said.
NZN