Police believe this is a photo of Michaela Leger, 29, seen with a kayak and about to enter the water on 21 October, 2023. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Police say a missing Ōtaki kayaker may have been in a yellow single-seat kayak, not a two seater as initially reported.
Michaela Leger, 29, was last seen on Saturday evening at Raumati beach, dragging a kayak, with a dog alongside her.
Detective senior sergeant Peter Middlemiss said despite an extensive search by air, land and sea, officers have not found Leger or the yellow kayak she was in.
After making more enquiries, police now believe the kayak only have one seat.
Police wanted to hear from anyone who saw a single-seater kayak in the days since 21 October but did not report it, said Middlemiss.
He said a team of investigators continued to follow leads.
Police were concerned for Leger and were providing support to her whānau, he said.
Middlemiss thanked LandSar, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving NZ, the Department of Conservation and the Royal New Zealand Airforce who have all contributed to the search so far.
He asked the public to contact police via their 105 number and quote 231022/0452 if they have any relevant information or if they have seen a yellow kayak that looks out of place or abandoned.
Kāpiti Coast District Council said the dog seen with Leger was being looked after by its Animal Management team.
A council spokesperson said the dog was microchipped and Leger was not listed as its current owner on the National Dog Register.
But the person listed as the dog's owner had been in contact with the council, they said.
