Police seeking a fugitive from the King Country believe he is armed and using methamphetamine and are warning the public he should not be approached.

Otorohanga man Steven Robert Nichol is wanted in relation to warrants to arrest issued by the Te Awamutu District Court on 12 April.

Wanted: Steven Robert Nichol.

Western Waikato Area Commander Inspector Paul Carpenter says the 31-year-old is a known methamphetamine user and manufacturer, and information to hand suggests he has recently increased his drug usage.

"Those warrants relate to the burglary of a Maihihi farm last Tuesday and the theft of a Holden Rodeo 4x4 utility from that property.

"Police also believe Nichol is in possession of a firearm".

"Quantities of chemicals, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia have been located at properties linked to Nichol during the course of our search for him and we believe he is well aware of our interest in locating him.

Nichol is believed to be travelling in a stolen vehicle – a 2007 Holden Rodeo 4x4 well-side utility with registration number ECT274. It is coloured black with tinted windows and no canopy and has a chrome nudge bar at the front.

"Nichol has good knowledge of the farming area between Te Awamutu and Rotorua and may be using back roads as he seeks to actively avoid us.

'Our biggest concern is that he or someone else may be hurt as he seeks to avoid authorities and we would ask that he considers handing himself in or at least contact Police."

Police say due to threats made by NICHOL and the fact that he is armed, anyone who recognises him should not approach him but instead ring 111 immediately.

He is a male Caucasian of medium to solid build about 196cm tall with blue eyes and short light brown or blond hair.

Anyone who knows of Nichol's whereabouts or who sights the stolen Holden Rodeo is asked to contact Detective Wayne Cooper of the Te Kuiti CIB on 07 858 6200.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.