Great Barrier Search Continues

Auckland City Police have resumed their search on Great Barrier Island this morning for a man whom they want to question about the alleged abduction of a woman from a house in the local community of Claris.

A police specialist search and rescue team, three search dogs, members of the Armed Offenders Squad and a team of investigators are all engaged in the search.

Police went to an address at Claris on Great Barrier Island late on Thursday night after reports that a man had been seriously assaulted with a weapon. The victim is in Auckland Hospital where his condition remains stable. The type of weapon used is not known.

A female family associate who was present inside the house at the time of the attack is missing. It is believed she has been abducted.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard who is leading the investigation at Great Barrier Island says he’s concerned that there has been no sighting of the missing woman or her alleged abductor for more than 24 hours.

“The status of the search and the investigation is fluid. We have yet to fully determine what has happened after the victim was assaulted. We are receiving both assistance and cooperation from the local island community in our search.”

“All holiday homes and baches in the Claris area are being canvassed. The Westpac Rescue Helicopter will carry out an aerial surveillance of the island this morning,” Detective Inspector Scott Beard said.