Police are appealing to the Aotea community for help locating Julie Butler, a 55-year-old local woman who usually lives aboard her yacht, the Blazing Shadz, moored in Kaiaraara Bay.
A partner agency raised concerns for Butler’s welfare on April 4, prompting police involvement. Poor weather conditions at the time initially hampered the local search effort.
“However, on April 7, it was confirmed Blazing Shadz was not moored in its usual location,” police said in a statement.
Since then, the search has widened. Police have contacted the Coastguard, their maritime unit, and nearby harbour masters, “including Whangārei”.
Butler’s friends, whānau and other agencies have also been contacted.
“Please contact 105 using the reference number 250404/8311 if you have any information about Julie or the vessel so that we can reunite Julie with her family.”
