Paddle found, dog safe, as search continues for missing Ōtaki kayaker Michaela Leger

The woman who has gone missing from Raumati Beach is believed to be 29-year-old Michaela Leger.

A kayak paddle has been found as the search continues for a woman believed to be missing off the Kāpiti Coast.

A dog photographed alongside the missing Ōtaki woman is being looked after.

Kāpiti Coast District Council said the dog is in the hands of its Animal Management team, but cannot confirm who it belonged to.

Michaela Leger was last seen on Saturday night, when she allegedly stole a kayak from a Raumati property and entered the water at Raumati Beach around 8pm.

The 29-year-old from Ōtaki was wearing a long-sleeved red top and grey trackpants, and carrying a white and pink bag.

The person who reported the incident to police lost sight of her on the water around 8.30pm.

A search has been under way since, with police confirming a kayak paddle has been found, however it is unclear if the paddle is one Leger was last seen with.

No other items have been located, and police are reviewing the search effort so far.

Police yesterday released a statement thanking those involved in the search, including LandSar, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving NZ, the Department of Conservation, and the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).

“Despite an extensive search by air, land and sea, we have not yet located Michaela or the yellow two-person kayak she was in,” a police spokesperson said.

“Police are extremely concerned for Michaela and are working to support her whānau. We know there will be lots of people out and about at beaches and in the water around the region today, and we’re asking people to keep an eye out for a yellow two-person kayak like the one in the attached photo.”

The woman who has gone missing from Raumati Beach is believed to be 29-year-old Michaela Leger. Photo / Supplied

“If anyone has information which could assist our inquiries, they’re asked to contact Police via 105 and quote file number 231022/0452.”