The nearest township is the farming service town of Amberley, which is 46km north of Christchurch. It’s a small town of fewer than 4000 people and is considered a “very connected community”.
It’s the Hurunui District’s largest township. The district’s mayor, Marie Black, said these situations never happen in the region.
“It makes me sad to think these events do happen out there,” she said.
Amberley’s population is largely older, the mayor said, comprised of many retired farmers.
State Highway 1 commuters pass through the town when headed north to Kaikōura or south to Christchurch.
Black said the Amberley community is saddened by the news of the discovery but noted there’s no evidence yet of a connection to the wider community at this stage.
“I pass my thoughts and concerns on to any family member this concerns,” the mayor said.