Search continues for missing Christchurch teen Marley: Police focus on bays around Sumner

Marley, 17, of Christchurch, is missing. Police are appealing to the public for information on his whereabouts. Photo / New Zealand Police

Search and rescue teams are continuing to look for missing Christchurch teenager Marley, with a particular focus on the coastline.

The 17-year-old has been missing since Friday afternoon when he was last seen in Opawa. His car was later found in the beachside suburb of Sumner.

He is believed to be wearing a light grey coloured Adidas hoodie and low-cut burgundy coloured Converse shoes.

“The bottom half of his clothing cannot be confirmed at this stage,” said Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge.

Marley’s mother told the Herald her family was desperate for information on his movements.

Aldridge said police yesterday got help from Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Sumner, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and volunteers.

The search effort was focused on the Scarborough whitewash area.

“Today our search efforts are focused on the surrounding bays and involve using drones, as well as boats and land teams to cover as much ground as possible,” Aldridge said.

Missing Christchurch teenager, Marley. Photo / Supplied

Police, along with Marley’s mother, have been appealing to the public for any information on his whereabouts.

“We are urging anyone in Sumner and Scarborough with CCTV or doorbell cameras on their property to check their cameras from 2:45pm on Friday,” Aldridge said.

Marley was seen in Opawa about 2.30pm. He had been driving a white Mazda Demio. His mother said there was security camera footage of him driving to Sumner.

Marley is thought to have been wearing black track pants and a hoodie that could either be dark-coloured or light grey.

Police ask anyone who has seen Marley to call 111, quoting the reference number 250927/3331.

Information after the fact can be provided via 105, using the same reference number.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers business, breaking news and local stories from Tāmaki Makaurau. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

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