Ski pole located in search

Police conducted another search on Aoraki Mount Cook on Christmas Eve for the three climbers missing since December 2.

Aoraki Area Commander Inspector Vicki Walker said that, due to a change in weather conditions, police, alongside Search and Rescue and Department of Conservation staff, conducted a further search at a location of interest on the mountain.

Staff travelled up the mountain by helicopter, and while the search for the men was unsuccessful, a ski pole was located.

Police have been in contact with the families of the three men, to update them on the search efforts.

"We are continuing to follow the process to formally suspend our search. However, we remain poised to reactivate the search if fresh information or credible sightings are reported, especially from the climbing community." 

— APL