Police are working to determine if items found in a search of Christchurch’s red zone are linked to missing woman Rowena Walker.
Walker, 39, has not been seen since August 14 last year, when she was captured on CCTV on Bassett St, Christchurch.
Search teams began scouring the new area yesterday, using drones, boats and police ground crews.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said items have since been found, and work will be done to determine if they’re connected to Walker.
“Police have located a number of items following a search of the red zone yesterday,” she said.
“We are now working to determine if these items are linked to Rowena. Police continue to search the area with the use of a drone and a police dog unit.”
Speaking from the city’s residential red zone yesterday, Carolan said police hold grave concerns for Walker.
It is the first time the red zone has been searched since Walker disappeared eight months ago.
“The focus is really for areas of vegetation where things could be hidden or concealed,” Carolan said.
“We very much hope that Rowena is alive and will be coming home, but we have to consider the possibility that that might not be the case.
“We go through our life, and we leave footprints, digital and otherwise.
“Rowena hasn’t done that since mid-August 2025, and that’s really concerning for us.”
Carolan says Walker lived near the area, and police want to ensure “no stone is left unturned”.
“Even small finds could be crucial,” she said.
Carolan said police cannot rule out foul play.
Officers have executed several search warrants and say they have grave fears for Walker.
Carolan said she had been in regular contact with Walker’s family, who were “desperate” to locate Walker, who has not been in contact with her children since she went missing.
Carolan said this week that police believed Walker may have been near the red zone when she went missing.
“We believe Rowena went missing from Christchurch, as we have found no evidence she left the city before her disappearance,” the detective said.
“The day before, she told family she was living in Christchurch with a friend, indicating an intention to settle here.
“This week, Police Search and Rescue, alongside specialist search teams, will be conducting land, water, and aerial searches in and around the red zone.
“Rowena’s last confirmed sighting was on August 14, when she was captured on CCTV in Christchurch on Bassett St with an associate.”
Carolan said police have searched across the country for Walker.
“We know she travelled often, and in our efforts, we have searched in several districts, including Waikato, Tasman and Canterbury.”