Police believe missing Canterbury woman Rowena Walker victim of foul play
· RNZPolice are renewing an urgent appeal for information on the whereabouts of missing Canterbury woman Rowena Walker.
It has been more than 10 months since Walker went missing in the Christchurch suburb of Burwood.
She was last seen on August 14, 2025 when CCTV captured her with an associate on Bassett Street.
Her mother reported her missing two months later.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said that no digital footprint and no verified sightings of Walker have been made in that time.
"Today is Rowena's 40th birthday," she said.
Carolan added what should be a time of celebration for her whānau was instead one of sadness and desperation.
While a search of part of the Christchurch red zone in April was unsuccessful, an investigation team was planning a further search 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 enquiries. There is still a lot of work to do, and the investigation team is dedicated and motivated to find Rowena."
Police believe that Walker was the victim of foul play on or around 15 August 2025 and is no longer alive.
Carolan said the investigation had indicated that someone in the community knew what happened to her.
'Strongly urge him to reconsider': Walker's partner unwilling to assist
Carolan said Walker had family, including young children, who deserved to know what happened to her.
Walker's partner at the time was the last person known to have seen her alive, but had, so far, declined to talk to the police.
Carolan said it was his right to maintain his silence, but his assistance was crucial to the investigation.
It is disappointing and frustrating that he is unwilling to assist, Carolan added.
"I would strongly urge him to reconsider and do the right thing by Rowena and her family," she said.
Urgent appeal for information
Police are appealing to the public to report any information they think may be relevant, no matter how big or small, Carolan said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking "update report", or by calling 105.
The reference number is 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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