13 Jun 2017

New phase in search for missing woman

11:46 am on 13 June 2017

Police divers are searching Lake Arapuni in Waikato today for a woman missing for almost a year.

Missing woman Kim Louise Richmond

Kim Richmond Photo: Supplied

Kim Richmond, 42, was last seen leaving her Arohena home on 31 July 2016 driving a silver Ford Ranger. The vehicle has never been found.

Police said they had carried out an extensive inquiry, and, though they still hoped to find her, they now believed Ms Richmond was dead.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said police were committed to bringing her family some closure.

He said even though time was quickly slipping away they were still keen to hear from anyone who had information relating to the disappearance.

The National Dive Squad is searching areas of the lake that required further investigation, police said.

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