William Walmsley. Photo: Supplied / Wellington District Police
Andrew Walmsley, the father of missing child William Walmsley, wants the public to call police immediately if they see anybody who matches the description of his son.
The 12-year-old has been missing since Saturday night.
His father, Andrew Walmsley, told RNZ that a friend had received a text from William on Monday, saying, "I'm at a friend's house and I'm OK".
Soon after, William made a short phone call. He said he had met other runaway kids in Wellington's CBD and was now staying with one of their families.
"We weren't really sure what that meant," Andrew Walmsley said.
He said his son was wearing a red hoodie, a grey t-shirt, black track pants, and green Crocs when he went missing.
"Timing seems to be really important, so if anyone sees him, please ring the police on 111 quickly," Walmsley told RNZ on Tuesday.
"You might look at him and think he is a it older, maybe 14 or 15, but he is only 12,"
"But he is still at primary school."
He said that it was unlikely that his son would stay out this long alone.
Walmsley said that he was worried that strangers were involved, and that calls to his son's phone had not been connecting.
"Ringing his number just goes to voicemail straight away," Walmsley said.
"I suspect that he is has possibly turned off calling on his phone, but is periodically turning it on."
"He is a very impulsive and quite confident kid." "It's more likely that he has met with people he knows, or connected with someone."
Police said enquiries were ongoing and it would continue to appeal for any sightings or information that might help locate William.
Andrew said there had been no big issues before William went missing.
"He was a pretty impulsive kid and certainly no angel, he gave us more than his fair share of trouble at school and things. But nothing like this. We were worried."
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