4 Nov 2023

Police to intensify search for missing kayaker this weekend

7:19 am on 4 November 2023
Police have released this image of the missing kayaker, just before they entered the water.

Police have released this image of the missing kayaker, just before they entered the water. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police

Police along with Land Search and Rescue will be searching Kāpiti Island and the surrounding area this weekend for a kayaker who was last seen leaving Raumati Beach on 21 October.

The woman is believed to be Michaela Leger, aged 29, from Ōtaki.

A woman matching Michaela's description was seen leaving Kapiti Coast Beach in a single-seater yellow kayak.

Teams will be searching the island with a focus on the eastern and northern coastlines and the Police Maritime Unit will search areas around the island including neighbouring islands.

"We are concerned for her and are providing support to her whānau," police said in a statement.

Police asked Kāpiti Coast residents to check any sleepouts, outbuildings or unoccupied holiday accommodation on their property for anything unusual.

"We ask anyone at beaches along the coast to please contact us if they see a yellow kayak, like the one in the photo, that looks out of place or abandoned."

Police were asking anyone with any relevant information. or if they have seen a yellow kayak, to contact them via their 105 number and quote number 231022/0452.

A warrant of arrest has been issued for Leger after she failed to appear in the Wellington District Court on 26 October.

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