Police are continuing the search for 19-year-old Maia Johnston, who was reported missing after leaving her family home in Totara Park, Upper Hutt, on the evening of Saturday, December 21.
Maia left her residence around 8:30 PM for a walk and has not been seen since.
Authorities and Maia’s family are deeply concerned for her well-being and are appealing to the public for assistance. A photo of Maia, taken on the day of her disappearance, shows her wearing a black cardigan or light top, short shorts, and black and white Converse shoes.
Residents in the Totara Park area with CCTV cameras have been asked to review footage for any sightings of Maia between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM on Saturday. Police have now expanded the search area to include Harcourt Park and Brown Owl. Anyone with cameras in these locations is urged to review recordings from after 8:15 PM that evening.
Police have deployed additional resources, including the use of drones behind houses at the northern end of Totara Park, to aid in the search. Residents are advised not to be alarmed by the drone activity.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information, including potential sightings or CCTV footage, to contact them immediately. Updates can be made online or by calling 105, referencing case number **241222/0237**.
Maia’s family and police are anxious to locate her and urge anyone who might have seen her or has relevant information to come forward.
