Information is being sought on a car that may be linked to missing man Anaru Moana who police believe has been the victim of foul play.
Police are asking for reports of sightings of a silver 2004 Subaru Legacy sedan, in Waimate and Oamaru on three days in December. Photo: Supplied / NZ police
Moana was reported missing on 23 December 2021, and was last seen a few days earlier.
He did not turn up to a funeral as expected, raising the concern of his whānau - and police believe the 37-year-old has met with foul play.
A vehicle of interest to the homicide investigation was discovered burnt-out near the Waihao River, less than 10km from where Moana was last seen by his niece on the morning of 20 December.
In the early hours of 22 December, the Police Emergency Communications Centre received several calls from members of the public reporting a vehicle fire.
Another vehicle was then seen leaving the area and police are seeking information on it and its movements.
Police are asking for sightings of a silver 2004 Subaru Legacy sedan, in and around Waimate and Oamaru between Monday 20 December and Wednesday 22 December.
Detective Inspector Joel Syme said Moana was a brother, son, father, and friend, and his loved ones deserved answers.
"We are piecing together what has happened to Anaru and working incredibly hard to identify those responsible.
"Police will also be searching areas of interest in the coming weeks, as a priority for us all is returning Anaru to his whānau," Detective Inspector Syme said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 105 and quote file number 211223/0992.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.