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Police say a body has been found in dense bush in Pukekohe during the search for missing woman Te Anihana Pomana, whose disappearance sparked weeks of public appeals, family-led searches and social media support.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend, Auckland Central Area Investigations Manager, said officers were notified at around 7.43pm on Saturday November 22, after the discovery was made in bushland on the outskirts of Pukekohe.
Formal identification is still to take place, but police believe the body is that of 25-year-old Pomana.
A disappearance that prompted nationwide appeals
Pomana was last seen on August 21 after leaving SkyCity in central Auckland just after 5am and walking west along Victoria Street West. Many of her belongings were later found left behind, and despite extensive CCTV enquiries, police were unable to confirm any sightings after that point.
Her family, most of whom are based in the South Island, immediately raised concerns and travelled to Auckland to join police in the search.
Multiple police appeals followed. On September 5, Friend said there had been “no sightings despite exhaustive efforts” and that concern for her wellbeing was increasing.
A further update on September 11 confirmed investigators still held “grave concerns for her safety” after three weeks with no confirmed sightings.
Police also followed up reports that Pomana may have travelled to Northland or the South Island, but no verified sightings were recorded.
Family assist search efforts
Alongside police enquiries, Pomana’s whānau launched significant efforts to keep her case in the public eye.
A Givealittle page set up by her sister, Ebony, sought donations to help cover transport, accommodation and other costs for relatives travelling to Auckland to support the search, with the whānau saying her disappearance was “unbearable”.
They described Pomana as a much-loved daughter, sister, aunty, niece, cousin and mokopuna whose absence had left “a hole in our hearts”.
A Facebook page called Always Ani, dedicated to finding her, quickly gained over 6,000 followers. It became a space for updates, appeals and messages of support from across the country.
Investigation continues
Police say Pomana’s family have now been notified of the development in Pukekohe and are being supported.
A post-mortem will be carried out, and an investigation into the circumstances of the death is underway.
Further information will be released when police are in a position to do so.
Police told the Franklin Times they are unable to say when formal identification will take place and said there will not be a press conference to update the public.
