Hawke's Bay student missing after high school tramping trip

A police search and rescue operation is under way for a high school student missing in the bush in Hawke's Bay.The student from Taradale High School was one of a group hiking to Sunrise Hut in the Ruahine Forest Park.An email from the school to parents on Wednesday morning said the teenager was part of an overnight outdoor education trip, and became separated from the group on a hike."Taradale High School remains focused on supporting the student's family and school community while police coordinate the search. The students who were participating in the trip are returning to school."Hawke's Bay Area Commander Inspector Caroline Martin said the teenager was reported missing about 7.10pm on Tuesday."Police were made aware a teenager had separated from their group while on a school tramping trip and was missing."Police, alongside Land Search and Rescue volunteers, responded immediately and conducted extensive ground searches in the Sunrise Hut area until the early hours," she said.Martin said the search was continuing today."With field teams searching the area and the utilisation of specialist equipment and resources. We remain in contact with the teenager's family and the school, and are providing them with regular updates."Police are focused on locating the teenager. While our search is ongoing, police ask the public to avoid the area to ensure our search efforts are not compromised," Martin said..In its email the school said wellbeing and pastoral support was available for students, staff and whānau. "Our focus remains on supporting the student's family and the wellbeing of our students, staff and school community."Police asked anyone with any information to them and reference P067927294.