5 Apr 2024

'Highly respected' tramper still missing in Pureora Forest after two weeks

11:12 am on 5 April 2024
Judy Donovan has not been seen for two weeks after becoming separated from her group while she was bait lining on the Rangitoto Station in Pureroa Forest near Lake Taupō.

Judy Donovan has not been seen since 23 March. Photo: Supplied / The Outdoor Access Commission

A "highly respected" member of the outdoor and tramping community is still missing in the Pureroa Forest near Lake Taupō, despite nearly two weeks of searching.

Judy Donovan, 79, has not been seen since 23 March, when she was separated from her group while bait-lining on the Rangitoto Station.

Police earlier said Donovan's "medical profile" suggested "she may become unresponsive and curl up to a small position".

Almost two weeks on from her disappearance, a police spokesperson has said there are no updates in the search for the keen tramper and outdoorswoman.

"The officer in charge has said the search is being reviewed and consideration is being given on what further search efforts can be done."

Donovan has been described as highly respected in the outdoor community, by the Outdoor Access Commission's board chairperson Don Cameron.

She was a member of the Pukekohe Tramping Club and helped create the five summits trail in Pukekohe.

Pureora Forest

Pureora Forest (file image). Photo: Supplied / DOC

Cameron said in 2022, the commission presented Donovan with an outdoor access champion award for her work in the region and she had been an active member of its national network of trailmakers.

"Our thoughts are with Judy's family and friends, the tramping club, and the Pukekohe community."

On its website, the commission noted Donovan had been a "key driver and facilitator" in getting the five trails project over the line and had worked with a number of organisations including Franklin Local Board, Auckland Council's parks sports and recreation team and Auckland Transport to make it happen.

Donovan was last seen wearing wearing a silver rain coat and long dark pants, and was carrying a day pack. She is described as having a slim build and is 167cm tall.

Hunters and trampers who were in the area on 23 or 24 March are asked to call police.