Source: New Zealand Police
A search and rescue operation has been launched in Taharoa, west of Ōtorohanga, after a man has been reported missing.
Dilane Harding, 55, was reported missing around 7pm yesterday [Thursday 18 June] after he failed to return home from fishing off Paparoa Rock on the west coast of Taharoa earlier in the morning.
Waikato West Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Mary Van Dongen, says Dilane’s family were concerned that he had not returned home and went down to the beach around 6.30pm but he was nowhere to be seen.
“Police were immediately notified of his disappearance after a family member has located his vehicle, with his dog still inside, and his belongings near his usual fishing spot on Paparoa Rock.
“We believe Dilane was fishing alone, and we are not searching for anyone else at this stage,” Senior Sergeant Van Dongen says.
“A search and rescue operation is underway in the area, including the Police Eagle and the use of a drone, with the assistance of Land Search and Rescue and Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol. The Taharoa community can expect to see an increased Police presence during this time.
“Paparoa Rock is a remote spot near the Taharoa Iron Sands Mine. It is only accessible by rough farm tracks or beach access through the Sands Mine, and we are asking the public do not engage in any search activities themselves.”
Any information on Dilane’s whereabouts or other information that could assist in our search should be provided by calling 111 and referencing file number 260619/4179.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/19/search-and-rescue-operation-launched-taharoa/