More out-of-town searchers converged on the Otakou marae as the search for a missing Dunedin mother continued today.
Sergeant Richard Panting, of Search and Rescue, said Nicola Hedley, known as Nic, had not been seen since she left a party at a Harington Point property, near Dunedin, about 3am on Sunday.
"The rest of the party thought she went out to her tent, but when she hasn't arisen from her tent the next day they became concerned and began a search. We believe she was intoxicated,'' Sgt Panting said.
The 36-year-old was reported missing on Sunday night.
Police said today that up to 50 people were now helping police look for her.
An Oamaru-based North Otago search and rescue command vehicle was being used as an operational headquarters at a car park at the marae today, and some search volunteers began moving into the area at first light this morning.
Police and about 40 LandSAR volunteers, a qualified search and rescue dog, and friends and family of Ms Hedley scoured areas surrounding Otakou marae and neighbouring land until about 10pm on Monday.
Other out-of-town searchers from North Otago, Balclutha were also helping today, as well as about eight members of the Catlins search and rescue.
A Catlins team member, Winston Callahan, of Tokanui, was taking part in a coastline search early this afternoon and confirmed he was there as a volunteer, and had come simply because help was needed.
Many donations of food, including buns, were pouring in to the marae this morning as preparations continued to feed the large team of searchers.
Police Senior Constable Lox Kellas, who is helping with liaison work at the marae search base, said careful coordination was needed, including to ensure the searchers remained safe, given the rugged terrain and coastline.
Another iwi liaison officer, Senior Constable Toni Wall, said police were grateful for the support and help of the local marae and iwi representatives.
“It’s great to see the community rallying around, and the aroha and manaakitanga shown by locals supporting the family and being out there looking for Nic."
Police said Ms Hedley was 157cm tall, of average build, and had dark hair which was long on one side and short on the other. She also had a piercing on her collarbone and tattoos of stars behind her ear.
