Police rule out Mona Vale sighting and seek ‘new leads’ over missing Christchurch woman

Monday, 9 June 2025

Police have ruled out a possible sighting of a vulnerable Christchurch woman who went missing five days ago and are looking for new leads.

Elisabeth Nicholls, 79, who suffers from dementia, was last seen leaving Margaret Stoddart Retirement Village in Bartlett St, Riccarton, about 6pm on Wednesday. She had been admitted there that morning for respite care.

She has white hair and wore blue trousers and a long-sleeved dark top.

Police have now confirmed that a possible sighting of Nicholls in Mona Vale the following day was not her.

A police spokesperson said officers were working to establish “any new areas of interest”.

They urged members of the public to contact police if they have any information about her whereabouts, “no matter how small it may seem”.

A significant search on Thursday involved a large number of staff on the ground looking in Riccarton, both sides of the Avon River, and Hagley Park.

Police said people should call 111 if they found her, citing reference number 250604/5465.

Non-urgent information could be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz, using “Update Report”, and quoting the same reference number.