A farmer in Ōtorohanga had a shocking discovery today when she and a group of weed controllers stumbled upon a human skeleton in a patch of privet bush near State Highway 3. The remains were found between Ōtorohanga and Te Awamutu, leading to a police investigation.
Clare Douglas, who was part of the group cutting down privet trees near the highway, described the moment when the body was found. Initially skeptical, she approached and saw the body for herself, prompting her to call the authorities. Douglas expressed her shock and disbelief at the surreal situation.
The skeleton was clothed and wearing work boots, raising hopes that the discovery could provide closure for a family searching for a loved one. Douglas, whose family has deep roots in the area, mentioned that the privet trees had not been trimmed for decades, leading her to start weed control efforts in the area.
Police are currently in the early stages of the investigation and have not released further details about the discovery.

