Police return to Christchurch red zone to search for missing woman Rowena Walker

Police have today returned to search an area of the Christchurch red zone for missing-presumed-dead woman Rowena Walker.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said members of the community may notice an increased police presence during the search.

Police said it was a “routine inquiry”, and no further update was available.

In June, police renewed an urgent appeal for information on Walker’s whereabouts on what would have been her 40th birthday.

At the time, they revealed her partner had refused to speak with police and urged him to “do the right thing” and tell them what he knows.

Walker, 39, has not been seen since August 14 last year, when she was captured on CCTV on Bassett St, Christchurch.

Police earlier confirmed they believe Walker was “the victim of foul play and is no longer alive”.

“Rowena’s partner at the time has so far declined to assist police with our inquiries,” said Carolan at the time.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan earlier said Walker's partner at the time has so far declined to assist police. Photo / Anna Heath.

“No person can be compelled to speak with police under any circumstances, and it is that person’s right to maintain his silence.

“However, as the last person known to have seen Rowena alive, his assistance is crucial to the investigation, and it is disappointing and frustrating that he is unwilling to assist us.

“I would strongly urge him to reconsider and do the right thing by Rowena and her family.”

Rowena Walker was last seen on CCTV footage in August 2025. Photo / NZ Police

Carolan said no digital footprint or verified sightings of Walker had been made since she was last seen.

“This absence of contact is deeply concerning for investigators and her family,” she said.

On Walker’s 40th birthday, Carolan said “what should be a time of celebration for her whānau is instead one of sadness and desperation”.

In April, police searched for Walker in the Christchurch red zone.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said there has been no digital footprint and no verified sightings of Walker. Photo / Anna Heath.

“The investigation team is working our way through a vast amount of digital information, and we continue to speak with witnesses and identify new inquiries,” said Carolan.

“There is still a lot of work to do, and the investigation team is dedicated and motivated to find Rowena.”

Police search for missing woman Rowena Walker in Christchurch's red zone on April 22, 2026. Photo / Alyse Wright

Carolan said anyone with information about Walker should contact police urgently.

“Report any information they think may be relevant, no matter how big or small,” she said.

“We are grateful for the information received so far, and we continue to ask the community to help us bring answers to Rowena’s family.”

Contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105.

Please use the reference number 251022/9026.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.