Kiwi man missing for six days in WA ‘may be on a spiritual journey’

WA police believe the disappearance of a New Zealand man from north-east Perth six days ago may be linked to reports of a car hitting a pedestrian.

Michael Junior Huria, who is aged 23 and also goes by the surname Sullivan, left his Ellenbrook home about 4.15am Monday and failed to return, WA Police said in a statement.

Mr Huria's father Mark and brother Tamati yesterday made a public appeal for information about his disappearance.

Tamati said his brother’s disappearance was “unusual”.

"He's a bit lost at the moment," he said of his brother, who recently quit his job as a builder.

"We don't know but we think he might have gone out on a spiritual journey of some kind - he's quite inclined in that way."

Police said his failure to return was “out of character”.

His ute was found on Wednesday on Maralla Road in Ellenbrook.

Police and SES volunteers have been searching in nearby Upper Swan, where a woman thought she may have struck a pedestrian on Monday night. A search of the area failed to locate anyone near the road

Police deploy mounted personnel, SES volunteers and a helicopter to assist in the search for Mr Huria.

"The search for Michael will continue throughout the day and will perhaps conclude early this evening," a police spokeswoman said yesterday.

"Assessments will then take place regarding any future searches."

Upper Swan is five kilometres east of Ellenbrook in Perth's outer northeastern suburbs.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 144.