NZ Police Defend Releasing Te Anihana Pomana Body Details Amid Family Criticism
New Zealand Police are standing by their decision to release information concerning a body discovered during the search for missing woman Te Anihana Pomana, following objections from her family. Pomana, also known as Ani Anderson, was last seen on August 21 after leaving Auckland's SkyCity Hotel in the early hours.
Family Criticises Premature Media Announcement
On Monday, police confirmed that a body, believed to be Pomana, was located in dense bushland near the Pukekohe area on Saturday. However, this public announcement drew swift criticism from Pomana’s whānau (family) via social media. They expressed distress that the media releases occurred prior to official formal identification and before many close family members had been personally informed. "Apologies to anyone that has had to read and find this information out in this manner," their post conveyed.
Police Explain Balancing Public Interest and Family Notification
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend addressed the family's concerns on Tuesday, explaining the police's careful approach to disseminating details about Pomana’s case. Friend highlighted that the Monday media statement was issued almost two days after the body's discovery, emphasizing the delicate balance required between keeping the family informed and acknowledging significant public and media interest.
Friend reassured the public that initial investigations at the scene strongly indicated the body was indeed Te Anihana Pomana. He confirmed he personally contacted Pomana's mother in the early hours of Sunday to relay the development and had since spoken with other family members and a close friend to offer updates and support. He noted that it is standard practice for police to provide updates in missing persons investigations, considering all available information in their decision-making process.
Formal Identification Underway
The Detective Senior Sergeant further stressed that immediate family members were made aware of the discovery before the Monday update. While a post-mortem examination has been completed and its findings communicated to Pomana's mother, police noted that formal identification is still pending. Further updates are expected once this crucial step is finalized.
"Our thoughts are with Te Anihana's mother and her wider whānau during this incredibly difficult time," Friend concluded, extending condolences during the profound period of grief.