Brother resigned to fact sister's body found in Thames bush

The family of Ann Louise Bunning say they believe it was her body that was found in bush on the outskirts of Thames this week after she went missing three months ago. Photo/File

The family of missing Thames woman Ann Louise Bunning are resigned to the fact that it was her body found in bush earlier this week.

Anthony Gibbons has been holding out all hope that his 56-year-old sister was okay, after she appeared to be "perfectly normal" the last time he had contact with her on January 31.

Bunning had lived in a tent at the Te Puru Holiday Park for about a month before she disappeared.

The park manager noticed something awry after noticing she didn't pay rent and then finding her personal belongings in her tent. She has been missing for three months.

On Tuesday, a hunter found a body in bush in the Te Puru Forks a popular Department of Conservation walking truck which also has several swimming holes.

Police removed the body on Wednesday and Gibbons had been kept informed of proceedings.

But when contacted by the Herald today, Gibbons said he was "pretty certain" it was his sister found at the scene.

"I am pretty certain it is my sister based on a description of the clothing and the location where she was found.

"It's an intensely sad and confusing time but we are relieved to have her back to celebrate her life and to light her a safe passage onward."

He praised Thames police and its search and rescue teams who stayed with Bunning overnight before she was airlifted out yesterday.

However, he said there were a few learnings to come out of his sister's death.

"Life is so precious and fragile so if anything good can come of this it's that people are reminded to take the time to tell their family and friends that they are loved and valued and to treat strangers kindly."

A post-mortem is expected to be carried out on Bunning's body today. The matter will then be investigated by the Coroner.