Search expands for two missing Wellington trampers

Additional search teams have been sent into the southern Tararua Ranges to scour the Kapakapanui Track for two women who have not been seen since lunchtime yesterday.

Sergeant Anthony Harmer, Wellington Police Search and Rescue, said the weather is cold and windy in the ranges and searchers are concerned as the two women were only clad for a day trip.

Friends Kim Dunne, 39, and Anita McGonigle, 36, both of Churton Park, drove to Waikanae at 0700am yesterday. They left Anita’s silver Toyota station wagon at the Ngatiawa Road end and intended being out at 6pm after walking the loop of the Kapakapanui Track.

“The women were seen by another tramper at The Trig about 12.15pm yesterday and we would have expected them out early yesterday evening,” Sergeant Harmer said. “They certainly told family members that they would be out by 6pm”

Family members raised the alarm when the two women didn’t return as planned.

Four search teams this morning have been boosted by additional search teams from Horowhenua, the Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Wind and cloud conditions allowing, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter is also combing the tops and the catchment areas either side of the track.

A police search and rescue handler and dog and a LandSAR handler a dog are also part of the operation.

Sergeant Harmer said the women were only lightly clad for their intended day walk. They had limited provisions with them, and although both have cellphones with them reception in the area is intermittent and police have not heard from them.

The women went for a planned day walk on track known as ‘the loop’. Both were lightly clad and were last seen at 12.15pm yesterday by another walker at The Trig who took the photo of them.

“We are very keen to know if any other trampers or hunters in the bush yesterday saw or heard of these two women,” Sergeant Harmer said. “We are very concerned about them as we can’t rule out the possibility that they have become disoriented or had a fall.”

If any trampers on the trail saw them then please contact Wellington Police urgently on 04 381 2000. It’s possible the women sought shelter in a hut.

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