Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police are seeking information on the whereabouts of Julie Butler, who is missing from Aotea/Great Barrier Island.
The 55-year-old usually lives aboard her yacht the ‘Blazing Shadz’, moored in Kaiaraara Bay.
Police were notified by a partner agency about concerns for Julie on 4 April.
Local Police enquiries were hampered by the adverse weather conditions on the island at the time. However, on 7 April it was confirmed Blazing Shadz was not moored in its usual location.
Enquiries have been ongoing since this time, including with the Police Maritime Unit and Coastguard.
Police have also made enquiries with nearby harbour masters that Julie has frequented, including Whangārei.
Police have also been making extensive enquiries with Julie’s friends, whānau and other partner agencies.
To date we have been unable to locate Julie or her vessel Blazing Shadz.
Police are seeking information from the public to assist these enquiries as there are ongoing welfare concerns for Julie.
Please contact 105 using the reference number 250404/8311 if you have any information about Julie or the vessel so that we can reunite Julie with her family.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
Media note: Police are also releasing a photo of the yacht ‘Blazing Shadz’.
