Missing Christchurch woman search

The story so far

A 79-year-old woman with dementia went missing from a Riccarton retirement village on the evening of 4 June, shortly after being admitted for respite care. Police launched a significant search, describing her as vulnerable, and asked residents to check backyards, outbuildings and security cameras.^{5, 6, 9, 23 Jun 2025} Police and Land Search and Rescue volunteers searched the Fendalton and Riccarton areas, with the search paused for poor weather before resuming on 6 June. Police later appealed for public help after extensive searches, and released CCTV footage and deployed a drone over Riccarton and Hagley Park.^{7, 11, 18 Jun 2025}

Latest

The death has prompted wider concern about dementia patients going missing from care facilities in New Zealand this year. A man reported his wife missing from an Auckland retirement village in May while she was receiving respite care.^{29 Jun 2025}

Key moments

1. 5 Jun 2025Police launch significant search for vulnerable 79-year-old missing from Riccarton.
2. 6 Jun 2025Police call off formal search; public appeals and footage checks continue.
3. 7 Jun 2025Search resumes in Fendalton and Riccarton after weather pause.
4. 18 Jun 2025Police release CCTV footage and deploy drone over Riccarton and Hagley Park.
5. 21 Jun 2025Area of interest identified; possible sighting at eastern Hagley Park.
6. 22 Jun 2025Body found at central Christchurch property on Sunday afternoon.
7. 23 Jun 2025Police confirm the body is the missing woman; property reportedly empty for years.
8. 29 Jun 2025Death highlights concerns about dementia patients going missing from rest homes.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.