Man to appear in court following alleged abduction

Police lead a 21-year-old man from the police launch at Mechanics Bay after his arrest on Great Barrier Island. Photo / Michael Craig

A 21-year-old man will appear in the Auckland District Court tomorrow charged with breach of bail in connection with an alleged abduction on Great Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf, police say.

Nathan Boulter was questioned yesterday following a widespread search launched late on Thursday night, after it was suspected Nortessa Montgomerie had been abducted by her former boyfriend and her new boyfriend hit on the head with a weapon thought to be a crowbar.

Police have not ruled out more serious charges being laid.

A search and rescue team found the pair about 3pm yesterday on a bush track on Mason Rd near Claris on the eastern side of the Island, police said.

Montgomerie was taken to Auckland Hospital by the Westpac Helicopter where she remained overnight for medical observation.

Detective Inspector Scott Beard said she was "quite traumatised".

"We don't know how traumatised and the long-term effects on her. She will be taken to hospital and offered counselling.

Her father is with her and he's ecstatic."

Her grandfather, Tony Powell, who flew to the island from Papakura after hearing of Montgomerie's disappearance, said her relationship with Boulter had been unhappy and she had been disturbed by messages he sent her by text and on Facebook.

Montgomerie's aunt Denise Powell said the romance with Boulter had been brief.

The man injured at a house in Claris had been discharged from Auckland Hospital, but would continue to receive specialist treatment, police said.

He had given a statement to police.

The police forensic team has completed its scene examination in Claris.

A small team of investigators remain on the island to complete interviewing local residents.

Weather conditions on the island were atrocious and the police will not return to Auckland until the weather improves.

Residents had been warned to lock cars and homes and stay inside during the search.

Police searchers, investigators, members of the armed offenders squad and three search dogs had scoured the island for nearly 36 hours.

- NZPA, NZHERALD STAFF