Missing Te Atatū woman Monica Reid ‘located deceased’, police say

A police boat scouring a West Auckland waterway in the search for missing Te Atatū woman Monica Reid, who police now say has been "located deceased".

Missing Te Atatū woman Monica Reid has been located deceased, police have confirmed.

“Her death is not being treated suspicious and will be referred to the coroner,” a police statement said.

“Police extend our sympathies to the woman’s family and loved ones.”

Police had this morning launched a large search and rescue operation amid serious concerns regarding the welfare of the 26-year-old, who has been missing since Friday afternoon.

Her sister Imogen Trupinic said she had seven siblings and “each one is unique and amazing in his/her own way”.

“We’re a very large and very close family. Monica is the youngest of the family - 12 years younger than me,” Trupinic said in a Facebook post.

“She works at [NZ Transport Agency] Waka Kotahi and is studying planning. She previously studied drama and Italian.”

Police involved in the search for missing woman Monica Reid.

Trupinic also revealed Reid was in the process of buying a house with her fiance.

Her cousin Gabriel Reid said on X that the outcome was “a tragic conclusion to the search for Monica”.

“My thoughts and prayers are with her parents and siblings,” he said.

“The outpouring of community support has been a great comfort over the past few days.

“Sincere thanks to all who engaged in searches, shared posts and expressed concern.”

A temporary base at the Waitematā Rowing Club was established, with multiple search groups in attendance for the search.

Those at the Taikata Sailing Club included frontline police, the Police Maritime Unit, Land SAR (search and rescue), police SAR and detectives.

Police at Henderson Creek join the search for Monica Reid.

A photographer at the scene said specialist teams used an unmanned aerial vehicle to conduct searches along Henderson Creek.

The police helicopter was also involved in the search, and the maritime unit was conducting a shoreline search from their vessel.

Monica Reid, 26, had been missing since Friday. Photo / NZ Police

Specialist search group had now concluded their drone operations.

A police inflatable rescue boat was this evening loaded onto a trailer and the police specialist dive team were seen making their way back to shore.

As night fell, several officers boarded a waiting police launch to be taken down the river.

Reid had last been seen on Matipo Rd on the Te Atatū Peninsula.

A family member said Reid “is a much-loved friend, sister and aunty”.

SUICIDE AND DEPRESSION

Where to get help:
• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
• What's Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Helpline: Need to talk? Call or text 1737
• Aoake te Rā (Bereaved by Suicide Service): Call 0800 000 053
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.