Whanganui River rāhui after woman goes missing near Taumarunui

Tina was last seen about 2pm on September 25 in Taumarunui.

A rāhui has been placed on the Whanganui River and a search and recovery operation is under way after a woman went missing in Taumarunui.

Police said a woman named Tina was last seen about 2pm yesterday in the area around Victory Bridge and the BMX track.

“Tina’s family are concerned for her wellbeing and would like to see her return home,” Police said.

“If you see Tina or have information regarding her whereabouts please call 111.”

Police said anyone who has information to share should use the reference number P063926422.

Ngāti Hāua have placed a rāhui on the river from Victory Bridge to Whakahoro until further notice and while search and recovery efforts take place.

The rāhui means no swimming, fishing, gathering of kai, canoe paddling, jetboating, sightseeing or use of non-search related vessels can take place on and in the river between these locations.

Elsewhere, police are searching for a 56-year-old man in Ashburton, Christchurch, who was last heard from on August 26.

He is known to frequent the Ashburton, Christchurch and Nelson areas, police said, and is likely to be wearing a red-and-black check-pattern hoodie and black jeans.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 105 with the reference number 250915/2603.