Police scour Woolston for Christchurch 81-year-old missing for almost four days

Monday, 8 June 2026

The detective in charge of searching for a missing 81-year-old woman in Christchurch believes she is not far from Woolston.

It is thought Valerie Hargrave has been missing for nearly four days, with police still urgently asking for the public’s help.

The last confirmed public sighting of her was on Thursday evening in the St John St area of Woolston, Detective Senior Sergeant Colin Baillie said.

A reported sighting of Hargrave on Saturday morning has since been ruled out.

On Monday afternoon Baillie said although police did not believe Hargrave had travelled far from the Woolston, officers and her family remained concerned about her wellbeing.

“Given the time that has passed since [a] confirmed sighting of Valerie, her family and Police are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare.

“Police Search and Rescue are continuing work today to find Valerie, assisted by volunteers from LandSAR.”

Ballie urged people to help in their search for Hargrave..

“We’d ask the public to help us by checking in and around your properties, particularly in Woolston and the areas immediately surrounding.”

Baillie said there would be an increased Police presence in the Woolston area as officers made enquiries.

Officers will continue to assess information as it comes in from the public, and are in contact with Hargrave’s family.

Hargrave was wearing a pink cardigan or jersey. She is about 167cm tall with a small build. She walks with a shuffle, but is reasonably mobile.

Anyone who sees Hargrave is asked to call police on 111, or on 105 if they have non-urgent information on her whereabouts, quoting reference number P066620434.