Mr Moana (37) was reported missing on December 23, 2021 and has not been seen since. He failed to show up to a funeral as expected, raising concerns from his whanau, and last week police confirmed they believed Mr Moana had “committed some foul play”.
Police have identified search areas in the Waimate area and said residents can expect an “increased police presence in and around the city” this week.
“We are focused on returning Anaru to his whanau, who has been waiting for answers for a long time,” said Detective Inspector Joel Syme.
“We are determined to find him and hold those responsible for his disappearance to account.”
Last week, Canterbury Police issued a call for information about a car in the area where Mr Moana was last seen.
A vehicle of interest to the murder investigation was discovered burnt out near the Waihao River, less than 6 miles from where Mr Moana was last seen by his niece on the morning of December 20.
In the early hours of December 22, the police emergency communications center received calls from citizens reporting a vehicle fire. A 2004 silver Subaru Legacy sedan was then left the area, and police asked anyone with information about the vehicle and its movements between December 20 and 22, in and around Waimate and Oamaru, to come forward.
Det Insp Syme said that Mr. Moana was a brother, son, father and friend, and that his loved ones deserved answers.
“We are bringing together what happened to Anaru and are working incredibly hard to identify those responsible,” he said.
The police thanked everyone who had come forward with information so far.
Police 105 (quote file number 211223/0992) or Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-nz.org.