{"id":622002,"date":"2026-10-06T06:12:10","date_gmt":"2026-10-06T06:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/622002\/"},"modified":"2026-10-06T06:12:10","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T06:12:10","slug":"friend-of-missing-queenstown-woman-remaining-optimistic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/622002\/","title":{"rendered":"Friend of missing Queenstown woman remaining optimistic"},"content":{"rendered":"

A close friend of a woman missing near Queenstown is not giving up hope that she will be found safe, as search crews continue to comb land around Coronet Peak.<\/p>\n

Erika Rodrigues Coelho, 47, has not been seen or heard from since September 18.<\/p>\n

The Brazilian national’s rental car was found at Skippers Saddle on September 21. Police believe it was parked there some time in the afternoon or evening of September 18.<\/p>\n

Police have appealed for public help to identify a man seen on the summit track<\/a> in the Mount Dewar area at 12.30pm on September 18 as part of their search for Coelho.<\/p>\n

Brett Squire told RNZ Coelho’s friends and family were extremely worried and distressed but “absolutely focused on Erika and her safe return”.<\/p>\n

“In terms of the work that has been done so far by the police and search and rescue teams – I believe that they are all doing a very thorough job and we want to thank them all for their hard work and dedication to finding Erika,” he said.<\/p>\n

“While a couple of weeks has passed since Erika’s disappearance, she is an incredibly strong woman, we are therefore remaining optimistic that this concludes (hopefully soon) with a good outcome.”<\/p>\n

The large-scale search for Coelho involved helicopters, drones, Coastguard crews, Land Search and Rescue volunteers and a search dog.<\/p>\n

Queenstown Sergeant Terry Wood has previously said the man on the summit track could be a tourist.<\/p>\n

“The man is described as of Asian complexion, in his 30s, average to taller in height. Slim build with short dark hair and clean shaven,” he said.<\/p>\n

“We would like to speak with him regarding our ongoing investigation for missing 47-year-old Erika Rodrigues Coelho near Queenstown.”<\/p>\n

Anyone with information about Coelho’s disappearance was asked to contact police via 105, citing reference number 260921\/8173.<\/p>\n

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