Search extended for missing Gisborne man

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

THE police investigation into missing Gisborne man Joseph Ahuriri is entering a new phase with Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel extending their search into remote areas north of Bay View in Hawke's Bay.

Mr Ahuriri has not been seen since early on February 14 after deciding to stay at a motel in Napier because of the weather.

He had been visiting family and was last spotted in his white Toyota Hilux that morning.

Police, supported by the New Zealand Defence Force and Urban Search and Rescue, have carried out extensive searches for him and his vehicle over the past month.

Search areas have included around Whakatu, Clive, Esk Valley, State Highway 5 and State Highway 2 in addition to many of the rural roads off SH5 and SH2.

A CCTV recording at the Waitomo Fuel Stop at Bay View shows Mr Ahuriri and his vehicle at 5.46am on February 14.

“The footage indicates that when he left that location he drove north towards the Bay View village,” police said.

“The recent discovery of the Bay View CCTV footage has been part of an extensive CCTV-canvassing phase in the investigation into Joseph's disappearance.

“This phase has been complicated by the fact that a lot of CCTV in the Hawke's Bay area was not working at the time due to power failures.”

Police have also interviewed a number of Mr Ahuriri's friends and associates in an effort to confirm his movements since he was reported missing.

“Regular contact has been maintained with his family who have been kept up to date with the investigation.

“We continue to work hard to locate Joseph and appreciate the assistance from people who have come forward with information and CCTV footage,” police said.

Anyone who has information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Police by calling 105, or going online to 105.police.govt.nz using ‘Update Report' and referencing 230225/2804