A rāhui has been imposed along a significant portion of Waikato’s west coast as efforts continue to locate missing fisherman Dilane Harding. The 55-year-old man was last seen on June 18 while fishing near the remote Paparoa Rock in Taharoa. When family members went searching for him, they found only his dog and vehicle, prompting them to report him missing at 7 p.m. that day.
The rāhui extends from Tirua Point in Taharoa to Te Maika at the southern end of Kāwhia Harbour. Under the rāhui, activities including seafood gathering, fishing, and swimming are prohibited until July 1. Senior Sergeant Mary Van Dongen, Waikato West area response manager, confirmed that authorities believe Harding was fishing alone at the time of his disappearance.
Search operations are ongoing, utilizing all available resources. However, Van Dongen noted that adverse weather conditions and forecasted storms could delay aerial searches until at least Friday. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding Harding's whereabouts or any details that could assist the search to contact emergency services by calling 111 and referencing file number 260619/4179.