A body has been found in dense bush near Auckland’s Pukekohe in the search for missing woman Te Anihana Pomana.
Pomana, also known as Ani Anderson, went missing on August 21 after leaving SkyCity Hotel in the early hours of the morning, having left all her belongings at the hotel.
The 25-year-old was last seen on CCTV heading towards Victoria St West in the central city before she vanished.
On Monday afternoon, police said they were notified of a body being located in the Pukekohe area around 7.43pm on Saturday.
Detective Sergeant Martin Friend said formal identification was yet to take place but it was believed to be the body of Te Anihana.
“Her family have been notified of this development and are being provided support.”
Friend said an investigation into the death was underway and that a post-mortem examination would be carried out in due course.
‘Her heart pure gold’
In a social media post last month, her family described Pomana as “literally one of the most beautiful human beings ever”.
“She’s of light, her heart pure gold, would do absolutely anything for anyone. A keen go getter. A genuine beautiful old soul.”
The family had been fundraising through raffles and quiz nights to hire private investigators and offer a cash reward for any information about Te Anihana.
Pomana’s mother Catherine Anderson spoke at a media conference in September, pleading to the public and saying “someone must have seen her”.
“As a mother, I’m appealing to anyone who has any information about Te Anihana to contact the police.”
She said Te Anihana was a much-loved daughter, sister, auntie, niece, friend and mokopuna.
“We want to find her and take her home and keep her safe.”
