Police seek information on stolen dinghy linked to Hihi Beach discovery

Brodie Stone

Multimedia Journalist·Northern Advocate·

15 Jun, 2026 04:00 AMQuick Read

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Police are continuing to appeal for information after an unattended dinghy was found at Hihi Beach at Doubtless Bay. Photo / NZ Police

Police want to rule out the possibility that someone missing or in distress was the last to use an abandoned dinghy in the Far North.

Police called for information about the dinghy after it was found at Hihi Beach at Doubtless Bay on June 11, around 5pm.

Inside
the vessel was a fishing net with floats, three freshly caught fish, a loose seat cushion, and a wooden bench seat.

A spokesperson today said the boat’s owner had since come forward with new information suggesting the vessel was stolen before it was abandoned.

“The general appearance of the dinghy indicates it was in use, so police would like to rule out the vessel being linked to anyone missing or in distress.”