Kāpiti man Graham Russell Smith has been missing for a year, police renew call for information

Graham Russell Smith was reported missing on Sunday, November 10, 2024. Photo / NZ Police

Police are making a renewed appeal for information one year on from a Kāpiti man’s disappearance in a popular walking area.

Graham Russell Smith vanished while walking in the area of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob in Porirua last year.

Police were still hoping Smith could be returned to his loved ones, and that they could be given closure, Acting Detective Sergeant Nicholas Mead said.

The then-77-year-old was reported missing about 6.30pm on November 10, 2024. He had been walking on the Doctors Track, near Spicer Botanical Reserve.

When he was last seen, Graham Russell Smith was wearing a dark blue puffer jacket. Photo / NZ Police

The area has multiple walkways and mountain bike trails, and is a popular area for walkers, day trampers and mountain bikers.

Smith was described as about 165cm tall and was wearing a blue puffer jacket and brown corduroy pants at the time he was reported missing. He potentially suffered from dementia and had difficulty hearing.

“Despite hundreds of hours searching, including search and rescue field teams, aerial work with helicopters and drones, various dog teams and CIB staff, Graham has not been located,” Mead said.

“Police continue to hold hope that someone may have information that could assist in locating Graham or provide closure to his whānau.”

If you have any information that might help police, please get in touch by calling 105, referencing file number 241111/3559.

“We acknowledge the tireless efforts of all agencies and volunteers involved in the search and thank the community for their support,” Mead said.

“Police also extend our thoughts to Graham’s family at this difficult time.”