A light aircraft is missing in the Southern Alps. 

The Rescue Coordination Centre told Chris Lynch the plane left Franz Josef at about 9 am this morning and was en route to Rangiora. 

A Rescue Coordination Centre spokesman said they’re is coordinating the search.

The Air Traffic Control notified RCCNZ that assistance was required at 11 am this morning, after the aircraft was reported overdue.

Weather has so far hampered efforts to get rescue assets to the area to undertake a search. 

Aoraki/Mt Cook Alpine Cliff Rescue is preparing to join the search, and will liaise with a local helicopter operator should conditions improve.

A RNZAF NH90 helicopter is repositioning to the South Island to assist.

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