Police believe this is a photo of Michaela Leger, 29, seen with a kayak and about to enter the water on 21 October, 2023. Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
An Otāki woman missing for almost two weeks after paddling out to sea on a kayak was due to appear in court five days after her disappearance.
A warrant of arrest has been issued for Michaela Leger after she failed to appear in the Wellington District Court on 26 October.
The 29-year-old was last seen on 21 October entering the water at Raumati Beach off the Kāpiti Coast at around 8pm, on a yellow kayak she allegedly stole.
She was facing multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine and cannabis, possession of an offensive weapon, failing to stop for police, possession of drug utensils and refusing to give a body sample.
The day after her failed court date there was an extensive search by air, land and sea, but she was unable to be tracked down.
Detective Senior Sergeant Peter Middlemiss said she may have been travelling in a single-seat kayak, not a two-seater as first thought.
A team of investigators continued to follow leads, he said.
Previously police said they were concerned for Leger and were providing support to her whānau.
Police were asking anyone with any relevant information. or if they have seen a yellow kayak, to contact them via their 105 number and quote number 231022/0452.
