The police are pleading for a man who was last seen fleeing towards the Hutt River, near Wellington, to contact them.
The man, who they described as a slender African wearing a red t-shirt and black shorts, fled after he was pulled over about 5am for driving erratically.
They say he is not facing any charges and want to assure his family and friends he is safe.
A helicopter, police dogs, and a search and rescue team failed to find him this morning.
