A major police search for two men missing in remote bush in the central North Island has been bolstered by dozens of specialist volunteers and the family of those missing.
The father of missing man Vincent Taumira told Newshub his whanau is devastated, but they are holding on to hope he and his friend will be found alive.
On the edge of the Kaimanawa Forest, family and friends are trying to find the two men who have now been missing for four days.
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It is inhospitable countryside, and those they're looking for had very little when they ran into the bush trying to evade police after stealing a car.
Mr Taumira's former partner, Titiana Tamati, says she managed to speak to him over the phone on a video chat - but his phones no longer ringing.
"It's been four days and I have no idea where he is," Ms Tamati says. "It's hard. The forest is so big. It's huge.
"Sunday morning was the last time I heard from him... He said that he couldn't feel his legs, and couldn't move."
Mr Taurima's father, Tony Taurima, says his son was no angel - but he's still his boy and they just want him back alive.
"I just want him out of there, that's all I want. I don't care what it takes.
"He's still a kid in my eyes… He's still my boy."
Police have found the remnants of a campfire and some piles of clothing, but little else.
Mr Taurima's friend is believed to have a gash to his head and last time contact was made he was unconscious.
"We are expecting the two missing boys to be unresponsive and probably lying on the ground tucked up under some undergrowth," says Bay Of Plenty operations manager Inspector Kevin Taylor.
It's a challenging environment for both the official search party, and those who are here determined to do all they can to help.
"We've been told that we are not actually allowed to go in," says Mr Taurima's brother, Taurus Taurima. "But we are going in there anyway. We are doing our best to find him...yeah and bring him."
They're keeping the faith he and his friend will emerge alive, but as each hour passes, police say the situation can only get worse.
Newshub.
