The response from the Alexandra community had already been ‘‘overwhelming’’, but ‘‘more eyes and ears’’ were needed to find the 22-year-old, Senior Constable Craig Gibson, who is heading the operation, said.
‘‘Just be aware that Christopher is out there somewhere and we need to find him and bring him home.’’
The last sighting of Mr Bates was in Alexandra on February 11 and police, Land Search and Rescue (SAR) teams and volunteers have done extensive searches around the Alexandra region for the past three days, particularly to the east of the township, near the Manuherikia River and in the area behind the clock on the hill.
About 30 people have been searching each day. They have also searched the pines area around Alexandra, the banks of the Clutha River from Alexandra to the Roxburgh Dam, and done some jet-boat searches of the Clutha River.
Mr Bates’ family and friends have also been helping with the search. A specialist dog team is assisting, and a drone has also been used.
Mr Bates’ father, John Bates, of Alexandra, said the family was grateful to all who were helping search for his son. They were overwhelmed by the support and thanked the police, LandSAR and members of the wider community who were continuing to search.
Alexandra residents were now being asked to help by ‘‘keeping an eye out’’ for Mr Bates and search their garden sheds, garages and outbuildings on their properties, both in town and out of town, as it was not unusual for Mr Bates to go walking up to about 10km from Alexandra, Snr Const Gibson said.
People are also being asked to contact police if they notice anything unusual in river or hill areas around Alexandra.
‘‘There’s nowhere that we don’t want people to go; they [members of the public] are not going to be destroying any evidence. We just need people out there keeping an eye out. If you see something a little bit strange, or if you’re out there [in the hills with your dog] and your dog acts a little bit funny, please contact us.’’
Any businesses with CCTV cameras were also being asked to check them, particularly footage from Sunday, February 11 and Monday, February 12, Snr Const Gibson said.
Mr Bates, who completed a bachelor of commerce degree at the University of Otago, was also known to visit Dunedin and felt ``very comfortable there'', so Dunedin residents were also being asked to check sheds and report any sightings of him, Snr Const Gibson said.
Mr Bates was thought to be on foot, but it was possible he could have used public transport to travel out of Alexandra, Snr Const Gibson said.
Mr Bates is described as being of slim build, about 180cm tall, with short to medium length brown hair and brown eyes.
He was wearing a grey hoodie, white T-shirt, dark shorts and sneakers.
Mr Bates had a quiet personality, so would not necessarily be ``out talking to people'' when he went missing, Snr Const Gibson said.
He asked people to keep sharing Mr Bates' photo and online posts about his search through social media.
``We need to keep him in the forefront of people's minds. We need to find him.''
