Coroner investigates Iraena Asher's disappearance

Email
Print

Iraena Asher case revisited

3News NZ

Iraena Asher disappeared near Piha in 2004

Iraena Asher disappeared near Piha in 2004

 

By Emma Brannam

One of the country's most intriguing cold cases will be revisited today when an inquest begins in Auckland.

Twenty-five year old trainee teacher Iraena Asher vanished from Piha in 2004. Her disappearance led to a major investigation into failures of the 111 emergency system.

Asher made three 111 calls to police on the night she disappeared. Instead of a police car, officers sent a taxi to tend to her - but it went to the wrong address.

The 25-year-old, who was later revealed to be suffering  from biopolar disorder, was found by a couple wandering the streets. She didn't stay long and was later seen partially clothed heading towards Piha Beach.

The case resulted in a major overhaul of police communication centres and how 111 calls are handled.

This week's inquest may bring some closure for her family, but the police file on her disappearance remains open.

3 News

 

Post a Comment

Before commenting, please take the time to read our moderation guide


(Won't be published)



Comments

17/07/2012 5:19:24 p.m.

Rex wrote:

Anyone know her details, height, weight etc. Just a hunch.

17/07/2012 5:10:24 p.m.

JohnC wrote:

Why does it take 8 years to hold an inquest? Shameful.

17/07/2012 11:54:18 a.m.

Bill wrote:

This case was/is a shameful indictment on the NZ Police. If they'd responded to the 111 call, this beautiful woman would still be with us today. So very sad.

17/07/2012 11:51:58 a.m.

Chris wrote:

The main focus should be on how Police responded to the 111, calls. Their lack of action should be taken into consideration about why a Police car did not attend. If it were my family member I would be lodging a investigation with the POlice Complaints Authority. Why even have a 111 emergency if Police don't respond!! She called 3 times, what that says is that she was in some real trouble, and needed urgent assistance. Bipolar or not she still knew who to contact for help and the NZ Police let her down big time!!

17/07/2012 11:16:48 a.m.

dave wrote:

this is a dark stain on the police force. To send a taxi when someone, and a female at that, rings 111. If they had of gone themselves she would still be alive. They will never really know what happened to her. I think if she had of drowned her body would have washed up. Very sad for the family

17/07/2012 10:50:34 a.m.

Bobbie Carroll wrote:

Iraena was picked up at around 9:15 on Piha Road. She was brought to our home and left at around 1:15am. She was safe and reasonably settled for 4 hours. She left wearing a dressing gown which she abandoned just minutes from our place. Our thoughts, naturally, are with Iraena's family and especially her parents this week.

17/07/2012 9:00:36 a.m.

Fair NZer wrote:

Wonder whether all police personnels at the communication centres are actually properly trained by experienced and/or professional trainers....

17/07/2012 8:27:08 a.m.

S wrote:

Her family deserves closure by having this case solved.