Missing Whangārei Boy, 10, Found Safe | NZ Police Update
- A 10-year-old boy who went missing in Whangārei, Northland, has been found safe, police confirmed shortly before 8pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
- Northland police had expressed concern for Riwi’s welfare, initiating a search after he was reported missing.
- The confirmation of Riwi’s safe return brings relief to his family and the wider community.
Whangārei Boy Found Safe After Overnight Search
A 10-year-old boy who went missing in Whangārei, Northland, has been found safe, police confirmed shortly before 8pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026. The boy, identified as Riwi, was last seen at his home in the Kensington suburb on the morning of Saturday, February 21st.
Northland police had expressed concern for Riwi’s welfare, initiating a search after he was reported missing. The search involved local authorities and prompted a public appeal for information.
The confirmation of Riwi’s safe return brings relief to his family and the wider community. While details surrounding the circumstances of his disappearance were not immediately released, police stated he was found “safe, and sound.”
The case drew attention as it unfolded, with news of the missing boy spreading quickly through local media and social channels. The swift resolution is a positive outcome for all involved.
As of Sunday, February 22, 2026, police have not released further details regarding the search or the location where Riwi was found.
This incident comes amid a broader context of missing persons cases in New Zealand. According to the New Zealand Police’s missing persons list, as of today, February 22, 2026, several individuals remain unaccounted for. These include Jayleb-Che Dean, missing from Waiotapu, Bay of Plenty since September 30, 2025; Marley Purdue, missing from Christchurch, Canterbury since September 26, 2025; and Aydan Brown, missing from Hamilton, Waikato since August 17, 2025. The list also includes longer-term missing persons cases, such as Stewart Willis, missing from Christchurch since July 24, 2023, Stephen James Ryan, missing from Manawatu since March 28, 2023, and Michael Freer (known as Grant), missing from Wairarapa since November 19, 2022.
The New Zealand Police website provides a platform for reporting missing persons and accessing information about ongoing cases. Anyone with information about a missing person is encouraged to contact the police or utilize the resources available on their website.