Hundreds still searching for Mary

Upper Hutt’s outstanding volunteer response in the search to find Mary Berrington is continuing.

Yesterday it took to the air with a private helicopter searching the Hutt River and its banks from Petone to Maoribank.

Volunteer co-ordinator Daniel Talbot said the offer of the helicopter search on Monday evening was readily accepted.

‘‘This is absolutely awesome, it’s a boost for us all,’’ he said. ‘‘They contacted me. I informed the police and it has all been cleared. They support it.

‘‘The pilot said they would fly about 50 metres off the ground over the river and also go over our parks.’’

Police suspended their search for Berrington on Sunday after five intensive days trying to find the 62-year-old local who disappeared on the evening of Tuesday, July 19.

‘‘I have spoken to Mary’s family … and while they are understandably hugely disappointed that Mary has not yet been found, they are immensely grateful for the efforts of the search teams and the support provided by the wider Upper Hutt community,’’ Detective David Mason said.

Talbot, 37, said more than 100 people continued to help in the local response which on Monday was carried out south of the Silverstream bridge.

‘‘Now we are looking at focusing on our leaflet letterbox drops, taking them down into Belmont, Taita and Naenae,’’ he said.

More than 20,000 fliers had been produced with local businesses covering the cost.

‘‘Upper Hutt’s response has been amazing.’’

The volunteers are based at Talbot’s Recycling for Charity business at Kingsley Heights.

‘‘Somebody had to do it so I thought I’d basically be the one to guide it. I didn’t think it would go on for as long as it has, I thought we’d find Mary soon enough and obviously I’m worried,’’ he said.

Berrington has bipolar disorder and may be in an anxious state.

‘‘Police will continue with a missing person investigation and we are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Mary,’’ Mason said.

Berrington is 168cm tall, of solid build and with short brown and grey hair.

Anyone wanting to help with the Upper Hutt search can call Talbot on 021 526 445.