‘False speculation’ as police continue search for Joseph Ahuriri

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Police have discounted what they call “false speculation” that a second person can be seen with missing Gisborne man Joseph Ahuriri in a CCTV recording taken the night he disappeared.

Mr Ahuriri was pictured with his Toyata Hilux ute at the Waitomo Fuel Stop at Bay View near Napier at 5.46am on February 14 during the height of Cyclone Gabrielle.

He was attempting to get home to his family in Gisborne and there has been no sign of him since.

Police have widened their search to remote areas around Bay View.

“The investigation team has extensively reviewed the CCTV recording in question and is satisfied that the only person shown in the recording is Joseph Ahuriri,” said Inspector Martin James of Hawke's Bay police.

“The claims of a second person appear to relate to what is in fact an open door on Joseph's vehicle.

“The team investigating his disappearance are working extremely hard to confirm his movements and provide answers for his whanau,” Insp James said.

“Speculation such as this often comes from a place of people wanting to help, however, the spread of misinformation such as this can be a significant hindrance to a police investigation.

“We continue to ask that anyone who has information that could assist the investigation contact police by calling 105, or going online to using ‘Update Report' and referencing 230225/2804.”