Attribute to Nelson Search and Rescue Incident Controller, Senior Constable Jonathan Fris:
Police searching for Natalie, who was reported missing from Pōhara, Golden Bay earlier this week, are now asking for assistance from local residents.
Natalie, 80, was last seen on Monday 6 July around 8.30am, leaving her home on foot. We have great concerns for Natalie’s welfare, particularly given the wet and windy weather conditions.
Police have conducted extensive land and water searches around the Pōhara, Tākaka, and surrounding areas, with the assistance from Land Search and Rescue volunteers and support from the Department of Conservation staff. The search also included the use of Surf Life Saving New Zealand inflatable rescue boats, quadbikes, and drones operated by both Police and the team from Pest Free Onetahua.
Sadly, Natalie has not yet been found, and Police are now calling on the local community for assistance. Particularly those residing in Rototai including Tangmere Road, Clifton including Boyle Street and Lansdowne Road, Pōhara, Ligar Bay, and Tata.
If you are willing and able, Police ask that you please thoroughly check your property for any signs of Natalie. This includes but is not limited to, gardens, sheds, under buildings – if they are accessible, or anywhere a person may fit.
Once you have completely checked your property, if nothing is located, please email your address to operationmotueka@gmail.com. Any indications that Natalie has been on your property, or any sightings of Natalie, should be reported immediately by calling 111 and referencing file number 260707/5962.
Please note, Land Search and Rescue volunteers are continuing to carry-out property checks in the area and may request to check your property again.
Police and Natalie’s family thank the Golden Bay community and landowners for their ongoing support. We would also like to express our appreciation to the local agencies and businesses who have assisted and supported us in our ongoing search efforts.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
