Colin ‘Col’ Heath: Police confirm remains found near Ōtorohanga are missing person

Colin Heath, 46, whose pronouns were they/them, went missing on March 19, 2022, in Te Kūiti.

Police have identified human remains found near Ōtorohanga as Colin (Col) Heath.

Heath, whose pronouns were they/them, was 46 when reported missing on March 19, 2022.

They were last seen in Te Kūiti.

Police confirmed their identity in a statement today.

“Police extend sympathies to Col’s family, who have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”

Heath’s death has been referred to the Coroner.

Police were alerted to the discovery of the remains off SH3, between Te Awamutu and Ōtorohanga, on Friday, March 6, about 10am.

RNZ reported that an Ōtorohanga farmer, and about six others, were felling privet near the highway, when the others found a body.

A close friend of Heath’s, Archie Bailey, told the Herald earlier this week they were “incredibly relieved” by the discovery.

Bailey, who also uses they/them pronouns, said they remember their friend as gentle and kind.

“Deeply passionate about how to create change in the world at a really high level.”