“Our investigation team have been working tirelessly to get this result and I would like to thank the members of the public who have come forward and provided information to assist the investigation.”
Aranui’s mother, Annabell Tumanako, went missing from Napier in 2007 in what has become one of Hawke’s Bay’s most high-profile cold cases.
Tumanako’s body was never found despite a huge search and investigation. Police deemed her disappearance was “most likely” the result of “foul play” and the police file remains open.
Tiopira “Joe” Tumanako raised her daughter Annabell’s children following her disappearance, including Aranui.
He previously told Hawke’s Bay Today his grandson was the kind of person who always wore a smile and was willing to lend a hand.
“He always had that smile on his face and was always laughing. He was a happy-go-lucky person.”
“Somebody out there knows. It would be good if someone could come forward,” he said. “Anything will help.”
