Searching has resumed this morning for two trampers missing in the Tararua ranges since the weekend.
Yesterday (Tuesday, 15 July) 61-year-old Dr Seddon Bennington, the Chief Executive of Te Papa was named as one of the missing trampers. This morning police have named 54-year-old Marcella Jackson, known as Rosie Jackson, as the other missing tramper. Mrs Jackson who is also from the Wellington area is a long standing family friend of Dr Bennington.
The pair went tramping on Saturday with a plan to stay overnight and come out of the ranges on Sunday evening, but they failed to return.
Four teams of Land SAR volunteers and police searched throughout yesterday and stayed overnight in the ranges. Five more teams from Taranaki, Wellington and Masterton are going into the ranges through the course of this morning with the assistance of the Air Force and an Iroquois.
Weather conditions are still not favourable. There are strong winds, a lot of cloud and showers but the forecast is predicting an easing of conditions this afternoon and the Air Force are using every flying opportunity they have to assist the search operation.
Those close to the missing pair are being kept updated and supported. At this stage while they are awaiting news, they do not wish to speak publicly and we would ask that media respect that.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.