Police thanked everyone who assisted with the search over recent days.
Hargrave went missing from Woolston on Thursday evening, prompting a community-wide effort to find her.
Earlier today, Lifecare Ambulance Service, a commercial ambulance provider, led a community search for Hargrave.
Lifecare Ambulance Service director Shane Casbolt said everybody out searching today was “hoping for the best possible outcome”.
“The more eyes, ears, people looking for her, it could be a lot better outcome if we can find her and get her back to her family.”
Locals helped search the streets surrounding the New World in the search for Valerie. Photo / Anna Heath.
The search was centred around New World Woolston where she had last been seen, spanning out across the Heathcoate River.
Before she was found this evening, police had expressed their concerns about Hargrave’s wellbeing given the length of time that had passed