Police continue to have serious concerns about missing Otautau man Dale Watene, “intensive search” to be carried out this Saturday

Southland police investigating the disappearance of the Otautau man, Dale Watene, remain concerned for his safety and will carry out an “intensive search” on Saturday.

The 40-year-old man, described as skinny and 183 cm tall, was last seen in Otautau on the night of April 16.

He was reported missing after friends worried about his whereabouts.

Watene’s abandoned 1995 Isuzu sports utility vehicle (SUV), registration CGE638, was recovered two days later in Otautau. Only his cell phone was inside.

Police have searched several areas in Otautau and Tuatapere.

This Saturday, police and LandSAR volunteers will conduct an “intensive search” of the Longwood Forest area, in parts accessible by road.

Police say they are aware that with the country advancing to Alert Level 2 at midnight tonight, there will be members of the public seeking to participate in hunting and trampling activities in the forest.

“We would prefer that people stay out of this area on Saturday, but we would ask that those who access the forest be more vigilant about anything unusual and notify the police immediately,” said Detective Sgt. Chris Lucy.

If someone locates something of interest or has information related to
Disappearance of Watene, they are urged to contact the Invercargill Police at (03) 211
0400.

Alternatively, the information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers
at 0800555111.