The police investigation into the disappearance of sailor Julie Butler and the 18-metre schooner Blazing Shadz has been referred to the Coroner, nearly 18 months after Butler and the vessel vanished from Kaiaraara Bay.
Butler disappeared from Great Barrier Island on April 4, 2025, after Blazing Shadz left its usual anchorage. Despite extensive searches and inquiries across Great Barrier Island and Northland, neither Butler nor the vessel has been found.
Police launched a large-scale investigation after a partner agency raised concerns for Butler’s welfare. Bad weather initially delayed search efforts before officers, the Maritime Unit, Coastguard and harbourmasters searched areas Butler was known to visit and contacted friends, whānau and maritime contacts.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said the investigation had now reached its conclusion.
“Julie and her boat Blazing Shadz remain unaccounted for.”
“The matter has been referred to the Coroner, who will ultimately make a ruling on this matter.”
A referral to the Coroner follows when police have exhausted their inquiries into a missing person case. The Coroner will now consider the evidence and determine the next steps under the Coroners Act.
Butler was well known in maritime circles on Great Barrier Island and in Northland after spending years living aboard Blazing Shadz. The schooner was a familiar sight in Kaiaraara Bay, Ōpua, Whangārei Harbour, Taurikura and Urquharts Bay.
Before disappearing, Butler had spoken publicly about a long-held ambition to complete a solo, non-stop circumnavigation of the world. They spent years building Blazing Shadz and hoped to eventually attempt a record-breaking voyage lasting up to 1,000 days without making landfall.
While speculation about Butler’s disappearance has continued online, police have never indicated what they believe happened and have consistently treated the matter as a missing person investigation.
Anyone with information about Julie Butler or Blazing Shadz is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 250404/8311.
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Why the hell is she called they and their get it sorted
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