Maia Johnston, 19, has been found alive after enduring more than 40 hours in the Upper Hutt bush following a fall at a waterfall. The Hamilton woman, who sustained multiple injuries, is undergoing surgery and is expected to remain in hospital for several weeks.
Johnston was reported missing on Saturday evening after telling her family she was going for a walk. Concern grew when it was discovered she had left without her phone or wallet. Rescuers located her along the Cannon Point trail yesterday afternoon, to the immense relief of her family and the hundreds of volunteers who had joined the search effort.
Johnston’s mother, Amy Walsh, expressed gratitude to the community and rescuers, describing her daughter’s recovery as a long journey ahead. “She’s in her first of many surgeries now. She has fought like a trooper for 42 hours alone,” says Walsh. She adds that Johnston is otherwise well and has maintained her sense of humour.
The popular Cannon Point trail, where Johnston was found, is a challenging intermediate-level track leading through the Akatarawa Forest to Birchville Dam. Searchers had set up a base at Tōtara Park School, coordinating efforts and encouraging locals to review CCTV footage.
Walsh earlier urged her daughter to return home, dismissing suggestions that Johnston might have left voluntarily. “Maia, if you’re out there, come home. You’re not in trouble,” she said.
Rescuers carried Johnston out of the bush, where she was embraced by loved ones before being transported to the hospital. Reflecting on the discovery, Walsh says, “I thought she was dead,” but is now relieved that her daughter is alive and on the path to recovery.
