A drone, boats and police ground crews will this week scour a new area of interest in the ongoing search for missing Christchurch woman Rowena Walker.

The 39-year-old has not been seen since August 14 last year, when she was captured on CCTV on Bassett St, Christchurch.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan said police now believe Walker may have been near the Residential Red Zone around the time she went missing.

“We believe Rowena went missing from Christchurch, as we have found no evidence she left the city prior to her disappearance,” Carolan said.

“The day before, she told family she was living in Christchurch with a friend, indicating an intention to settle here.

“This week, Police Search and Rescue, alongside Specialist Search teams, will be conducting land, water, and aerial searches in and around the red zone.”

Rowena Walker, 39, was last seen on CCTV in the Christchurch suburb of Burwood. Photo / NZ Police

Carolan said members of the public may see an increased presence while the search is ongoing, including the use of a drone.

Earlier, she said police remained committed to their efforts to locate Walker.

“Rowena’s last confirmed sighting was on 14 August, when she was captured on CCTV in Christchurch on Bassett Street with an associate,” she said.

“We know she travelled often, and in our efforts, we have searched in several districts, including Waikato, Tasman, and Canterbury. Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate Rowena.

“Police are urging anyone with information that may assist our enquiries to please contact us.”

Walker has not been in contact with her children since she went missing, and her family are “desperately worried” for her safety, Carolan said.

“If you know anything, no matter how small you think it may be, it may be the piece in the puzzle we need to locate Rowena.”

Rowena Walker. Photo / NZ Police

On behalf of the police, she thanked all members of the public who had provided information so far or have assisted in the search for Walker.

Anyone who has information can contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz or call 105, referencing file number 251022/9026.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.