04/08/2025
New Zealand Police
The search for missing 75-year-old Roy Arbon has moved into a review phase after 10 days of intensive searching, after he left for a walk and did not return.
Mr Arbon left on 23 July, leaving a handwritten note, and his concerned neighbour reported him missing the following day.
Since that time, Police and Search and Rescue teams – aided by a host of volunteers and specialist crews – have been relentless in their mission to find Roy.
About 1700 search hours have been carried out, with three qualified Search and Rescue managers running the operation.
However, much to their disappointment, he is yet to be found.
Senior Sergeant Mark Kirkwood says a large push was made on Saturday 1 August, deploying every available resource that could be mustered into the area.
“Seventy-nine people deployed out into the Mt Davy area where his phone last pinged, which is notoriously difficult terrain.
“It’s riddled with mineshafts, cliffs, steep drop-offs, trenches, and West Coast bush.
“On Saturday we deployed Police, Land Search and Rescue, Cave Search and Rescue, Mines Rescue, Alpine Cliff Rescue, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, and search dogs. Over the search we have used drones, helicopters, Recco detecting equipment, thermal imaging, any technology that was available to us.”
Police had received numerous calls from the public, many of which led to further points of interest. Any viable leads have been followed up, says Senior Sergeant Kirkwood.
“Tomorrow we intend to send in a dog team and searchers to a further area of interest that we have identified, and we continue to assess any new information received that might lead to Roy’s location.
“It’s very disappointing not to have found Roy to date, and we know how gutting it is, not just for his family, but the wider community.”
Senior Sergeant Kirkwood says searchers are grateful for the way the public has rallied around them.
“We’ve received so many offers of help. On Saturday, for example, coffee cart business MASH bus catering went to the staging area and fed people and provided coffees for free – awesome stuff.
“To anyone who has come out and helped us search, brought supplies, or sent messages of support, thank you.”
The search will be reviewed locally prior to being independently reviewed.
Any information regarding Roy or his whereabouts should be reported via our 105 service, referencing file number 250725/2139.
