Police will be deploying a drone over central Christchurch on Thursday morning as part of ongoing efforts to find missing woman Elisabeth ‘Lis’ Nicholls.

Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge said the drone will fly over the Riccarton and Hagley Park areas between 8am and midday on 19 June.

Nicholls, 79, was last seen at the Chateau on the Park hotel in Riccarton on the evening of Wednesday 4 June. Despite extensive efforts by search teams and officers, she has not been found.

“We do not know where she travelled to after the Chateau and have not been able to locate any items that would lead us closer to her,” Aldridge said.

“Searchers have gone door to door and reviewed CCTV footage. We have grave concerns for Lis, and sincerely hope the use of a drone will help us find her.”

Police are urging the public to continue checking backyards, sheds and sleepouts, and to look under any structures where someone may have sought shelter.

Anyone with CCTV or video footage is being asked to review recordings from 6.40pm on 4 June to 8am the following day. While she disappeared in Riccarton, police said Nicholls is physically strong and may have walked a considerable distance.

Anyone who sees Lis should call 111 immediately and quote the reference number 250604/5465. Non-urgent information can be submitted at 105.police.govt.nz using “Update Report” with the same reference.