Missing Taranaki boy found after night alone in sub-zero temperatures

Missing 14-year-old Hawera High School student Phillip Pierson who went missing yesterday afternoon has been found.  The teen is cold and wet but uninjured, however is currently being checked by ambulance staff at the scene. Phillip went missing while on a supervised navigation exercise on Mt Taranaki. Phillip was found about 11am by a DOC worker who was in the area at the time checking stoat traps.  The worker was aware of the search and was looking out for the teen. A search and rescue operation commenced yesterday afternoon with search parties on foot, the Taranaki Community Rescue Helicopter and an RNZAF helicopter. Inspector Keith Borrell said finding the boy so quickly is fantastic. “We are extremely relieved to find Phillip, it’s a relief for both police and his family that he’s back and in one piece,” he said.