Kim Richmond was last seen in the early hours of July 31 when she left her Wharepapa South farm in the Waikato. Photo / NZ Police
Kim Richmond was last seen in the early hours of July 31 when she left her Wharepapa South farm in the Waikato. Photo / NZ Police
A missing mother of three was a devoted mum who would have been in contact with her children by now if she could, according to a good friend.
Kim Richmond disappeared in the early hours of July 31 after she left her Wharepapa South farm, Waikato, in a silver 2014 Ford Ranger.
Richmond, 42, and the vehicle have not been seen since, despite an extensive land and water search across the Arohena community and into Lake Arapuni by police and specialist divers.
"We've got absolutely no idea where she is," the friend said. "It's completely out of character."
The woman, who did not want to be named, described Richmond as "just amazing" and a "devoted mum" to her two sons and young daughter.
"She hasn't tried to contact them so something is wrong."
Richmond and her partner were sharemilkers at Wharepapa, about an hour east of Te Awamutu past Waikeria Prison.
The couple had been to a Saturday night function that winter's night at the local hall but after returning home Richmond, who has a hearing disability, drove off in the Ford Ranger, registration number HKD553.
Police are seeking a vehicle like this with the registration HKD553. Photo / NZ Police
Police have been searching for her for five months and the Herald understands a psychic was called to community meetings set up to find Richmond.
It's believed the psychic suggested Richmond was in a "body of water" but she could not pinpoint where.
Detective Paul Galletta said Richmond was wearing a Highlanders rugby jersey, blue jeans, brown leather jacket and brown leather boots on the night she vanished.
Lake Arapuni was scoured, bushes were scanned and roads and farmland were searched but there was no sign of her or the car.
"Unfortunately it has been a long time since Kim went missing and we believe it is unlikely that she will still be found alive," Galletta said.
"The investigation into her disappearance, which is completely out of character, is very much still an active one and we're focused on finding her and establishing the circumstances around what has happened.
It was reported after Kim Richmond had gone missing that she had been enjoying a Saturday night out at a local function with friends in the Wharepapa South community. Photo / NZ Police
"Finding Kim's vehicle is of utmost importance to us.
"We also want to hear from you if you think you may have seen Kim any time after July 31, 2016."
Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have sighted someone throwing items out of a vehicle on State Highway 46 in late September or early October, Galletta said.
"Around that time, two bank cards and a farm card belonging to Kim were found on the roadside between Rangipo and State Highway 47 near Otukou.
"Subsequent checks in the area carried out at the time by police Specialist Search Teams discovered nothing further but somebody may have seen something which could point us in the right direction.
"This has been a trying five months for Kim's family and friends and we thank them for their support in our investigation.
"If you think you may have even the smallest piece of information about Kim or the vehicle which may help us in our investigation, please come forward."
Anyone who has seen her vehicle, or has information on Richmond's whereabouts is asked to contact Te Awamutu police (07) 872 0100.
Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
