Body identified as missing teen Olivia Rutherford

Olivia Rutherford. Photo / Supplied

Police say a body pulled from Wellington's harbour today is that of missing teen Olivia Rutherford.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell says preliminary findings suggested there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding this death.

The matter is now likely to be referred to the Coroner. The post mortem examination will take place tomorrow.

A body bag was earlier removed from under a marina near the harbour's overseas terminal after police divers had marked the spot with a buoy.

Olivia Rutherford had not been seen since she said goodbye to friends in Manners Mall about 6pm on Friday.

The St Mary's College pupil's bag and wallet were found on the City to Sea bridge near the Wellington waterfront on Saturday morning.

Police began searching the waterfront for her yesterday.

Inquiry head Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell said Olivia was "fragile" and "upset" on the day she vanished.

He would not reveal why she was feeling that way.

A message had been left at St Mary's College excusing Olivia's absence on Friday, and police today said they believed Olivia had left the message.

They had monitored Olivia's cellphone, which has not been used since the time she was last seen.

Mr Borrell said the teenager's bank account had not been touched since she disappeared.

Olivia's mother, Elizabeth Rutherford, said earlier it was out of character for her daughter not to keep in touch.

- NZPA and NZHERALD STAFF