Body Found Near Ōtorohanga Believed to Be Missing Activist Colin Heath

Ōtorohanga, New Zealand – Human remains discovered near State Highway 3 between Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu are believed to be those of Colin Heath, a Te Kūiti resident who has been missing since March 19, 2022. While police have not yet formally confirmed the identification, family members and close friends are convinced the remains are Heath’s.

Missing Since 2022

Colin Heath, 46, who used they/them pronouns, was last seen in Te Kūiti. The discovery was made late last week by a farmer and a group of weed controllers in an area of privet bush.

Family and Friends Speak Out

A family member contacted the Waikato Times expressing their belief that the remains are those of their loved one. Archie Bailey, a close friend of Heath’s, told the New Zealand Herald they immediately suspected the remains were Heath’s when they learned the location. “I knew where their cellphone had last pinged – which was just out of Ōtorohanga. As soon as we saw that location, we were like ‘s***!’” Bailey said.

Questions Raised About Initial Search Efforts

Bailey questioned whether police thoroughly searched the area where the remains were found, noting it was within the cellular corridor of the last cell tower Heath’s phone pinged from. “My question for police is did they search that area or not? And if not, why not? Because their body was found in what we believe is the middle of the cellular corridor for the last cell tower Col’s phone pinged from,” Bailey stated.

Initial Theories and Unexpected Outcome

There had been speculation that Heath may have joined a freedom camp, but friends dismissed this idea. Bailey expressed relief at the discovery but also anger that Heath was found so close to the last known location of their phone. “Our assumption was that Col was experiencing mental distress, and our belief was that they would have walked deep into the bush and taken their own life,” Bailey explained. “So based on that obvious scenario, most of us came to terms with the idea that Col’s body would never be found. So frankly this is, in a way, unexpected.”

Remembering Colin Heath

Bailey described Heath as a gentle, kind, and deeply passionate individual dedicated to creating positive change in the world. They also noted Heath enjoyed participating in protests but was against violence.

Where to Receive Help

• Lifeline: Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357 (HELP) (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: Call 0800 376 633 or text 234
• What’s Up: Call 0800 942 8787 (11am to 11pm) or webchat (11am to 10.30pm)
• Depression helpline: Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7)
• Aoake te Rā: Free, brief therapeutic support service for those bereaved by suicide. Call 0800 000 053.
• Helpline: Demand to talk? Call or text 1737

If it is an emergency and you experience like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.