Kevin Belling Search Update: Missing Farmer Still Not Found

A 62-year-old farmer vanishes from his Southland property, and months later, police are still searching for answers. That’s the reality facing the family of Kevin Belling, a Kapuka dairy farmer who disappeared from his Motu Rimu farm on 9 January 2026. This article pieces together the official updates, search efforts, and unresolved questions in the case.

Age at disappearance: 62 ·
Last seen: 9 January 2026 ·
Location of disappearance: Motu Rimu farm, Kapuka, New Zealand ·
Date reported missing: 18 January 2026 ·
Searches conducted: Property, bank accounts, phone records, effluent ponds, waterways ·
Current status: Ongoing (as of May 2026)

Eight key details about Kevin Belling’s case, compiled from official police statements.

Has Kevin Belling been found?

As of May 2026, Kevin Belling has not been located. Police have not announced any recovery of remains, and the investigation remains active (Otago Daily Times). Family members continue to appeal for information through media and social channels.

Official police statements on Kevin Belling’s status

• Police confirmed on 5 May 2026 that the search is ongoing (New Zealand Police).
• No foul play has been established, but police have not ruled out any scenario.

Community and family response

• Local residents assisted in early searches. Social media groups share updates regularly.
• Family made multiple media appeals urging anyone with information to come forward.

The implication: Without a breakthrough, the family faces an indefinite wait.

When and where was Kevin Belling last seen?

Kevin Belling was last seen on 9 January 2026 at his Motu Rimu farm on Caesar Road, Kapuka, Southland (1News). He was reported missing by family on 18 January 2026 after failing to make contact (New Zealand Police).

Last known location: Motu Rimu farm, Kapuka

• The property is a dairy farm in a remote part of Southland, about 40 km from Invercargill.
• Terrain includes paddocks, waterways, and effluent ponds.

Date and circumstances of disappearance

• No suspicious activity was reported prior to his disappearance.
• Police have not confirmed whether Belling left the farm voluntarily.

The pattern: Missing person cases in rural New Zealand often hinge on a single overlooked detail. Here, that detail remains elusive.

What searches have police conducted for Kevin Belling?

New Zealand Police, with assistance from Land Search and Rescue, conducted extensive searches of Belling’s Motu Rimu farm, including drones and foot teams (1News).

Ground and waterway searches

• Effluent ponds and other waterways on the property were examined (New Zealand Police).
• Searches expanded to nearby ponds and streams in the Motu Rimu area.

Financial and phone record analysis

• Police examined bank accounts and telephone records, but found no clues (New Zealand Police).
• No unusual transactions or calls were identified before his disappearance.

Use of Land Search and Rescue

• Land Search and Rescue teams covered the property systematically.
• Detection dogs were deployed, but no human remains were found.

What this means: The search has exhausted conventional avenues, leaving investigators to rely on public tips.

Why has the search for Kevin Belling been extended?

The remote location and difficult terrain have hampered searches, and the lack of witnesses or clues has forced police to broaden their investigation. Similar cases in New Zealand, such as the search for Eli Sweeting Missing Milford Sound: Search Updates, show how rural disappearances can stretch resources for months.

Challenges of rural terrain

• Kapuka’s farmland includes dense bush, waterways, and isolated buildings.
• Weather conditions in Southland can delay ground searches.

Lack of witnesses or clues

• No one reported seeing Belling on the day of his disappearance.
• Phone and bank records provided no leads.

Continued police commitment

• Police state the investigation remains active (New Zealand Police).
• They have asked the public to check rural properties for any signs of Belling.

The trade-off: Extensive searches protect against missing a key piece of evidence, but they also risk exhausting investigative momentum if no leads emerge.

What is the timeline of Kevin Belling’s disappearance?

The case follows a clear chronology from last sighting to ongoing appeal. Here is the sequence of known events.

Key dates: January to May 2026

• 9 January 2026 — Kevin Belling last seen at his Motu Rimu farm.
• 18 January 2026 — Family reports him missing (New Zealand Police).
• Late January 2026 — Police conduct initial property search.
• February–April 2026 — Extensive ground search with Land Search and Rescue; no trace found.
• April–May 2026 — Police examine bank accounts and phone records; search expands to effluent ponds and waterways.
• 4–5 May 2026 — Media reports: police continue appeal and confirm searches are ongoing (1News).

Major developments: searches, media appeals

• Police issued multiple public appeals, including a renewal on 5 May 2026 (New Zealand Police).
• Family members gave interviews to local media.

The pattern: The investigative arc — from initial ground search to financial audit to waterway inspection — shows a methodical, resource-intensive effort that has yet to yield a breakthrough.

For Kevin Belling’s family, the wait for answers continues with no closure in sight. Police have exhausted conventional search methods and now rely on public vigilance. The case remains open, but without a fresh lead, the likelihood of finding Belling diminishes with each passing day. For the Southland community, the disappearance serves as a stark reminder of how easily a person can vanish from even a familiar landscape — and how deeply those left behind are affected.

A similarly distressing case in the farming community is the Michael Gaine case, which also remains unsolved.

Frequently asked questions