Matamata-Piako: Pauline Gray’s Family Expresses Gratitude to Search Teams The family of Pauline Gray, the missing woman whose body was discovered on Tuesday, has expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the police and iwi who tirelessly conducted the search operation. In an emotional statement, Gray’s loved ones said, “We are deeply saddened by Pauline’s passing, but we are immensely grateful to the countless individuals who dedicated their time and efforts to finding her.” The search, which began after Gray was reported missing on Sunday, involved hundreds of police officers, search and rescue personnel, and local volunteers. The Morrinsville Police worked closely with Ngāti Hinerangi, the tangata whenua (local iwi), to scour the area where Gray was last known to have been seen. “The support we received from the police and iwi has been overwhelming,” Gray’s family said. “Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion gave us hope during a very difficult time.” The discovery of Gray’s body has brought closure to her family and loved ones. They have requested privacy as they grieve and support each other through this trying time. Matamata-Piako Mayor Ash Casey praised the efforts of all involved in the search. “This tragedy has shown the incredible strength and resilience of our community. We extend our deepest condolences to Pauline’s family and thank everyone who worked tirelessly to bring her home.” The investigation into Gray’s death is ongoing. Police have stated that they are not treating her disappearance or death as suspicious at this time.Pauline Grey, a 67-year-old woman, was reported missing on June 16 after she entered the Matamata-Piako district and failed to return. Police believed she had driven her Mazda hatchback onto the Wairere Falls track.Pauline Grey, a 67-year-old woman, was reported missing on June 16 after she entered the Matamata-Piako district and failed to return. Police believed she had driven her Mazda hatchback onto the Wairere Falls track. On June 18, a deceased person was located in the Wairere Falls area. Police believed the deceased person was Grey. Grey’s family thanked the search and rescue teams, police, and local iwi Ngāti Hinerangi for their efforts in the search. Senior Sergeant Aaron Fraser stated that due to dangerous conditions, the police were unable to recover the body when it was found. Specialist teams returned to the area on June 19 to recover the body. The Wairere Falls track remained closed until the recovery operation was complete. Fraser thanked the public for providing information that assisted in the search. He also expressed gratitude to the ground search and rescue teams, rapid relief team, and local iwi for their involvement and support. The death is not being treated as suspicious and will be referred to the coroner. A rāhui will be implemented on the Wairere Falls Track for the next seven days.The family of missing Matamata woman Pauline Gray have thanked police and iwi members for their efforts in the search for her body, which was found on Saturday. Gray, 55, was last seen leaving her home on foot on August 2. Her body was found in the Kaimai Ranges, about 20km from her home. Her family said in a statement that they were “heartbroken” by her death, but grateful for the support they had received from police and the community. “We would like to thank the police for their tireless efforts in searching for Pauline,” the family said. “We would also like to thank the iwi members who assisted with the search. Their knowledge of the area was invaluable.” The family said they were now waiting for the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of Gray’s death. “We ask for privacy at this difficult time as we grieve the loss of our beloved Pauline,” the family said. Police said they were investigating the circumstances of Gray’s death, but did not believe it was suspicious.