“Rowena’s partner at the time has so far declined to assist police with our inquiries,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan. Photo / Alyse Wright
“No person can be compelled to speak with police under any circumstances, and it is that person’s right to maintain his silence.
“However, as the last person known to have seen Rowena alive, his assistance is crucial to the investigation, and it is disappointing and frustrating that he is unwilling to assist us.
“I would strongly urge him to reconsider and do the right thing by Rowena and her family.”
Rowena Walker was last seen on CCTV footage in August 2025. Photo / NZ Police
Carolan said that no digital footprint and no verified sightings of Walker have been made since she was last seen.
“This absence of contact is deeply concerning for investigators and her family,” she said.
“Today is Rowena’s 40th birthday. What should be a time of celebration for her whanau is instead one of sadness and desperation.”
In April, police searched for Walker in the Christchurch red zone.
A further search was planned in the coming weeks.
“The investigation team is working our way through a vast amount of digital information, and we continue to speak with witnesses and identify new inquiries,” said Carolan.
“There is still a lot of work to do, and the investigation team is dedicated and motivated to find Rowena.”
Police search for missing woman Rowena Walker in Christchurch’s red zone on April 22, 2026. Photo / Alyse Wright
Carolan said anyone with information about Walker should contact police urgently.
“Report any information they think may be relevant, no matter how big or small,” she said.
“We are grateful for the information received so far, and we continue to ask the community to help us bring answers to Rowena’s family.”
If you have information that can assist, please contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update report”, or by calling 105.
Please use the reference number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.