ŌTOROHANGA – Skeletal remains were found in an area of privet bush off State Highway 3 between Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu, discovered by a farmer and a group of weed controllers. Police have not formally disclosed the identity of the remains or detailed a cause of death.
The discovery has drawn attention because friends of Colin Heath – who has been missing since March 2022 and was last seen in Te Kūiti – have spoken publicly following the find. Police have not said whether the remains are Heath’s.
What authorities and witnesses have said so far
– Discovery: A farmer and a team of weed controllers located skeletal remains in privet bush near SH3 between Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu.
– Official status: Police say the remains are yet to be formally identified and have not detailed a cause of death.
– Missing person context: Heath has been missing since March 2022 and was last seen in Te Kūiti.
– Prior suggestions: It had previously been suggested that Heath may have simply been part of a freedom camp.
Police have said the scene examination and post-mortem process will feed into a wider investigation, including a review of earlier search activity in the area, but have reiterated that formal identification must come first.
Friend’s reaction and questions for police
Bailey, who also uses they/them pronouns, said they felt “incredibly relieved” and “deeply angry” after learning of the discovery, describing a mix of closure and frustration for Heath’s friends and whānau.
“And that wasn’t true, and we all knew that that wasn’t true. And it turns out that no, they didn’t throw their phone away and walk into the bush somewhere. They were right there, right there. And that is infuriating,” Bailey said.
“My question for police is did they search that area or not? And if not, why not? Because their body was found in what we believe is the middle of the cellular corridor for the last cell tower Col’s phone pinged from.”
Bailey says their friend enjoyed the “vibe” of a protest – but they were against violence. They remember their friend as gentle and kind, “deeply passionate about how to create change in the world at a really high level. A deep thinker and somebody who was worth a hell of a lot more than they thought they were.”
The questions now being directed at police echo broader debates about how missing person inquiries are prioritised and resourced, including how digital data such as cell phone records is used to define search areas in remote or semi-rural terrain.
How identification and oversight typically proceed in New Zealand
When unidentified human remains are found in New Zealand, standard procedure generally includes:
– Police securing and forensically examining the scene, and commencing an investigation under the Coroners Act 2006.
– Mandatory referral to the Coroner, who is responsible for establishing identity and the circumstances of death, and may order further inquiries or an inquest.
– Forensic identification methods such as DNA analysis, dental comparison, fingerprinting, or other scientific techniques coordinated through specialist units.
– Formal notification of next of kin once identity is confirmed by authorities, followed by any coronial findings or recommendations that may influence future police practice or search-and-rescue policy.
In cases where remains are discovered within or near an earlier search zone, coronial findings can also examine whether search decisions, inter-agency coordination or information handling met accepted standards, and may recommend procedural changes for future missing person investigations.
Police have not formally disclosed that the skeletal remains are Heath’s – nor have they detailed a cause of death.
Where to get help in New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with this news, specialist 24/7 phone and text support is available through national mental health helplines and bereavement services. Information on publicly funded mental health and addiction services is also available from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora at its official website.