Source: New Zealand Police
Police have located a man after two people entered the Ōtara River mouth and Waioeka River mouth connection in Ōpotiki on Sunday, and urgently appeal for any information that may help confirm the safety and whereabouts of the woman not yet located.
Inspector Phil Gillbanks says enquiries led Police to a Gisborne address where a 33-year-old man was located and arrested without incident. He is assisting Police’s enquiries to locate the woman.
“Our primary concern now is the welfare of the woman. We are appealing directly to her, and anyone who knows her, has spoken with her, or may have assisted her since Sunday morning, to contact Police.”
Police continue to search the Ōtara River and Waioeka River area, with specialist search teams conducting water-based search activities. Search efforts have also involved helicopter and drone aerial searches, search dogs, New Zealand LandSAR, and Coastguard Ōpotiki.
Today, the Police National Dive Squad are continuing to assist in the operation.
“We are in contact with the woman’s family, and are consistently providing updates on the operation,” says Inspector Gillbanks.
The 33-year-old man is due to appear in Gisborne District Court today, facing multiple charges including driving in a dangerous manner and failing to stop when followed with red and blue flashing lights.
Anyone with urgent information should call 111 and quote file number 261004/6772.
Information that may assist Police can also be reported via 105, referencing the same job number.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/06/one-to-appear-in-court-and-search-continues-in-opotiki/