ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Police focus on coastline as search continues for missing Christchurch teen

Author
Raphael Franks,
Publish Date
Sun, 28 Sept 2025, 10:25am
Marley, 17, of Christchurch, is missing. Police are appealing to the public for information on his whereabouts. Photo / New Zealand Police
Marley, 17, of Christchurch, is missing. Police are appealing to the public for information on his whereabouts. Photo / New Zealand Police

Police focus on coastline as search continues for missing Christchurch teen

Author
Raphael Franks,
Publish Date
Sun, 28 Sept 2025, 10:25am

Search and rescue teams are continuing to look for missing Christchurch teenager Marley, with a particular focus on the coastline.

The 17-year-old has been missing since Friday afternoon when he was last seen in Opawa. His car was later found in the beachside suburb of Sumner.

Marley’s mother told the Herald her family was desperate for information on his movements.

Detective Sergeant Lucy Aldridge said police yesterday got help from Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Sumner, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Surf Lifesaving New Zealand and volunteers.

The search effort was focused on the Scarborough whitewash area.

“Today our search efforts are focused on the surrounding bays and involve using drones, as well as boats and land teams to cover as much ground as possible,” Aldridge said.

Missing Christchurch teenager, Marley. Photo / Supplied
Missing Christchurch teenager, Marley. Photo / Supplied

Police, along with Marley’s mother, have been appealing to the public for any information on his whereabouts.

“We are urging anyone in Sumner and Scarborough with CCTV or doorbell cameras on their property to check their cameras from 2:45pm on Friday,” Aldridge said.

Marley was seen in Opawa about 2.30pm. He had been driving a white Mazda Demio. His mother said there was security camera footage of him driving to Sumner.

Marley is thought to have been wearing black track pants and a hoodie that could either be dark-coloured or light grey.

Police ask anyone who has seen Marley to call 111, quoting the reference number 250927/3331.

Information after the fact can be provided via 105, using the same reference number.

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers business, breaking news and local stories from Tāmaki Makaurau. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you