No trace of missing Nelson student

An extensive search of Marlborough's Port Underwood area has turned up no trace of missing Nelson man Leo Lipp-Neighbours.

Members of Land Search and Rescue and police searched the area from Waikawa Bay to Rarangi on Sunday looking for any sign of the missing teenager.

Mr Lipp-Neighbours, 19, a Canterbury University student, disappeared from his Nelson flat on Sunday, January 24. Since then, about 80 people – friends, family and volunteers – have been searching the top of the South Island for him and his 1987 bright orange Toyota Corolla stationwagon.

The latest search came after a woman told police she saw a vehicle fitting the stationwagon's description at Whatamango Bay on January 25.

Blenheim police Rural Constable Beau Webster said police were still keen to hear from anyone with information about the whereabouts of Mr Lipp-Neighbours or his distinctive 1987 orange stationwagon.

Mr Webster said further searches would be conducted when new details emerged.

Anyone with information about Mr Lipp-Neighbours whereabouts can contact Detective Sergeant Mark Kaveney of Nelson on 0272811857 or Mr Webster at Blenheim police on 035792837.

- The Marlborough Express