Concerns for Australian tennis coach missing in NZ

Concerns are mounting for an Australian tennis coach who is missing in Waikato.

Paul Arber, 38, was in Hamilton with a group of children for a tennis tournament last week, but has not been seen since about 9pm on Saturday night.

He was due to meet his group back at their minibus around 9.30pm that night but he never returned.

Mr Arber’s group searched for him until 11pm and then reported him missing.

Police said immediately before his last sighting, Mr Arber stopped to pat the dog of a couple who were out walking on Grey St.

Detective Inspector Karl Thornton said investigators would like to speak to the couple and anyone else who may have information.

Keys and a wallet, believed to belong to Mr Arber were found about 400 metres up the road from the direction he was walking in.

“We are becoming increasingly concerned that we have not heard from Mr Arber. He is not familiar with the area and does not know anyone in Hamilton,” said Mr Thornton.

ONE News understands his family are in New Zealand to help with the search

Mr Arber has worked with the Australian Institute of Sport and The National High Performance Academy. He has also worked with tennis stars that include Bernard Tomic, Justine Henin, Monica Seles and Caroline Wozniacki.

He is described as a slightly built Caucasian, 179 centimetres tall with short dark hair.

At the time Mr Arber was last seen, he was wearing a grey tracksuit with a tennis logo the left breast of the top and the Wilson tennis logo on the left shoulder of the top.

Anyone with information about Mr Arber’s disappearance is urged to call Hamilton Police on 07 858 6200 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.