That averages to about 3.4 people reported missing each day in the region during that time.
Of these missing people, all but 16 have been found.
According to the data, obtained by the Waikato Herald under the Official Information Act, there were 1532 missing persons reported in Waikato between January 1, 2023 and March 31 this year.
Within the same period, 1516 missing persons were found.
Donovan hasn’t been seen since March 23, when the experienced tramper disappeared while laying bait lines in Pureora Forest, between Te Kūiti and Lake Taupō.
She became separated from her companions, sparking a large search that included LandSAR volunteers, dogs, Canyon Search and Rescue and thermal imaging by the police Eagle helicopter.
The search of the 78,000-hectare forest reserve, which has a thick canopy, multiple waterways and waterfalls, was suspended on April 6.
“Hunters and trampers in the Pureora Forest area are encouraged to contact police if they notice anything out of place, such as pieces of clothing or camping equipment.
“It’s important if you see something to lock the location on your GPS and include that information in your report to police - that way we can pinpoint areas to focus our efforts.”
“Police with the assistance of the National Police Dive Squad, the New Zealand Navy, Coastguard and a fixed-wing aircraft have searched the area,” Loughrin said.
“Unfortunately the man has not been located, and this search phase has now been paused pending any information that may lead to an area of interest for further searching.”
When asked for updates on the people still missing in Waikato, a police spokesperson said open missing persons cases were assessed and reassessed on a regular basis.
“Police consider a range of options for finding the missing person, including the use of media,” the spokesperson said.
“This is done on a case by case basis and the decision whether or not the media are utilised sits with the officer in charge of each case.”
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based multimedia reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.