Key Takeaways
- Connor Purvis, a 20-year-old man from Dunedin, has been missing for a week after going tramping near Lake Ohau.
- He had intended to climb Mount Huxley and descend down the Huxley River South branch, but has not returned, sparking concern and a large search effort.
- A large search operation is underway, involving specialist search teams, helicopters, and local communities.
- Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who have climbed Mount Huxley in the past several weeks.
Introduction to the Search Effort
The disappearance of Connor Purvis, a 20-year-old man from Dunedin, has sparked a large search effort in the Lake Ohau area. Purvis, who is an experienced tramper and a cornet player in the Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass, had intended to climb Mount Huxley and descend down the Huxley River South branch on or about December 30. However, he has not returned, causing concern among his friends and family. The search effort is being led by the police, with support from specialist search teams, helicopters, and local communities.
Background on Connor Purvis
Connor Purvis is a well-known member of the Dunedin community, working at the local bike shop, Bike House. He is also a talented musician, playing the cornet in the Kaikorai Metropolitan Brass. According to his friends, Purvis is a friendly and experienced tramper, who frequently goes on tramping trips. His disappearance has sent shockwaves through the community, with many taking to social media to express their concern and offer support. Bike House, where Purvis works, has also shared its concern on social media, asking anyone with information to contact the police.
Search Effort and Operations
The search effort for Connor Purvis is being led by the police, with support from specialist search teams, including the Wānaka Canyon and Drone teams, the Dunedin Cliff rescue team, and a number of Land Search and Rescue teams. Helicopter support is being provided by Heli Ventures out of Ōamaru and Helicopter Line from Mt Cook. The search operation is focused on the upper South Temple Valley, Mt Huxley, and the Huxley River South Branch, with a continued effort today focusing on Mt Huxley, the Huxley River South Branch, and upper Ahuriri River. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who have climbed Mount Huxley in the past several weeks.
Community Support and Response
The search effort for Connor Purvis has received significant support from the local community, with many offering their assistance and resources. The Ōmārama and wider Mackenzie community, along with the Ōmārama volunteer fire brigade, have been praised by the police for their outstanding support of the search effort. The efforts of the Ōamaru, Ōmārama, Twizel, and Dunedin Land Search and Rescue groups are also being recognized, as they work in difficult and rugged terrain to try and locate Purvis. The police are grateful for the community’s support and are urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring Purvis home safely.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The disappearance of Connor Purvis is a concerning incident, and the search effort is ongoing. The police and specialist search teams are working tirelessly to try and locate Purvis, and the community is coming together to offer their support. As the search operation continues, it is essential that anyone with information comes forward to help bring Purvis home safely. The police are urging anyone who has climbed Mount Huxley in the past several weeks to contact them via 105 and reference file 260102/2266. With the community’s support and the efforts of the search teams, it is hoped that Purvis will be found soon and reunited with his loved ones.
