Anaru Moana, 37, was reported missing on December 23 last year and has not been seen since. He did not show up to a funeral as expected, raising concerns from his family.
Detective Inspector Joel Syme said today that an investigative team had spoken to some of his associates and shortened the time frame from when Mr Moana was allegedly killed.
“We are following positive lines of inquiry into the movements of individuals of interest in the 24 hours following Mr Moana’s disappearance.
“Through our investigative efforts, we have identified several new sites of interest in the Waitaki Valley and Oamaru region, which will be searched by members of the Specialized Police Team this week.”
Det Insp Syme said the police were determined to find Mr Moana and return him to his whānau.
“We would like to thank those who have provided information and helped us thus far.”
Police want to hear from anyone who saw a silver-grey Subaru and a silver BMW in the Duntroon and Blacks Point area of the Waitaki Valley on the evening of December 20 and the early hours of December 21 last year.
The Subaru was later found burnt out on December 22 near the Waihoa River off State Highway 1.
Anyone with information is requested to report to the police on 105, stating file number 211223/0992.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.
– ODT online