'Happy-go-lucky' elderly couple die from cold on remote coast

The bodies of an elderly couple who had been together 49 years were found 400m apart, days after they were reported missing by family members on the isolated coast east of Opotiki.

Preliminary results from autopsies carried out yesterday show Richard "Dick" Robinson, 72, and his wife, Katarina "Kate" Robinson, 74, died from hypothermia.

Police believe the Putaruru couple, both of whom suffered from memory-related illnesses but were described as "happy go lucky" by family, got lost with tragic consequences.

The couple had been staying with family near Waihau Bay on the East Coast for Queen's Birthday weekend.

They were reported missing after failing to return from a drive into the township to get provisions on Thursday afternoon.

Searchers discovered Mr Robinson's body at the mouth of the Raukokore River near Waihau Bay on Tuesday. His wife's body had been found the previous day outside a house near the river.

Senior Sergeant Warwick Morehu of Opotiki said the couple set off at 4pm to buy provisions, but for reasons unknown turned off the main road instead of going straight ahead.

Their white Ford ute was found about 500m off the main road in front of a house on the side road.

The property owner found the vehicle stuck in mud when he arrived home in the early hours of Monday.

Outside the house was the body of Mrs Robinson, who had suffered from Alzheimer's for 10 years.

"She had no shelter because the house was locked," Mr Morehu said.

He said Mr Robinson, who had a heart condition and mild dementia, appeared to have gone for help. Te Kaha and Opotiki police and civilians had begun a search for Mr Robinson after Mrs Robinson's body was found on Monday, combing rugged terrain around the property until dark without success. An aerial search was also conducted.

Extra searchers from Whakatane joined the team on Tuesday morning, finding Mr Robinson's body near the river mouth in the afternoon.

When Mrs Robinson's body was found, members of Tukaki marae at Te Kaha asked if it could be brought there. Local iwi performed blessings for Mrs Robinson, who was originally from Maraehako, near Te Kaha.

Her husband's body was also brought to the marae before they were taken to Auckland for autopsies. Family members planned to take the bodies home to a marae in Otorohanga last night.