The search for missing Christchurch woman Rowena Walker has turned up a number of items that police are now examining for any link to her disappearance.

“Police have located a number of items following a search of the Red Zone yesterday,” Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said.

“We are now working to determine if these items are linked to Rowena.”

Officers returned to the area today and are continuing the search with the help of a drone and a Police Dog Unit.

The 39 year old has not been seen since mid August last year. Her last confirmed sighting was on CCTV on 14 August 2025 on Bassett Street in Christchurch, where she was captured alongside an associate.

Around 30 staff began combing the Red Zone on Wednesday, focusing on vegetation and waterways close to where Walker was living at the time she disappeared.

The operation was expected to run for several days, potentially into Friday.

The search forms part of a wider investigation that has included multiple search warrants and what officers describe as a “massive amount” of inquiry work since August 2025.

“It’s nearly impossible for a person to live their life without leaving a footprint of some kind,” Detective Senior Sergeant Carolan said yesterday.

“Rowena hasn’t done that since mid August 2025, and that’s really concerning for us.”

“It could be clothing, it could be personal belongings. We just have to keep a very open mind.”

“We very much hope that Rowena is alive and will be coming home, but we have to consider the possibility that that might not be the case.”

Walker’s family is largely based in Nelson. Her mother is caring for her children and is in regular contact with police.

“She is making her way through life, very hopeful that Rowena will come home,” Detective Senior Sergeant Carolan said. “We are very mindful that it’s not just work. It’s about bringing a loved one home to their family.”