Police appeal for sightings of missing boatie Benjamin Barrett

Brodie Stone

Multimedia Journalist·Northern Advocate·

4 Jun, 2026 02:27 AMQuick Read

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Benjamin Barrett was last seen in Matauwhi Bay on May 26. Photo / NZ Police

Police and the family of a missing boatie are concerned for his wellbeing after he was last seen more than a week ago near Russell.

Benjamin Barrett lives aboard his boat Reremoana in the Far North’s Matauwhi Bay, but he had not been seen since around 11.30pm on May 26.

The 58-year-old was last seen in the bay and was believed to have left Reremoana in his dinghy, a police spokeswoman said.

The 2.7m-long white dinghy has a rounded smooth front, fibreglass exterior, and a wooden frame and seats.

Police and Barrett’s family have not heard anything despite numerous attempts to contact him, the spokeswoman said.