Missing woman: sinister new twist

Marice McGregor's cellphone was switched on in Feilding the morning after she was last seen. Photo / Supplied

The family of a woman missing for the past two weeks have told police they are in a "slow-living nightmare".

Detectives last night refused to rule out abduction or homicide in the case of Marice McGregor, 45, of Whanganui, who was last seen driving north of the city on April 19.

Her car was found parked near the Lismore Forest, 20km north of Whanganui, with her wallet inside.

Police set up a surprise checkpoint on the Parapara Highway late this afternoon, questioning motorists travelling along SH4 near Whanganui.

Ms McGregor's family are also out assisting with the search, hoping for clues as to her disappearance, One News reported.

Yesterday police revealed they had extended their search for Ms McGregor - also known as Katrina - to the Manawatu after learning her cellphone was switched on in Feilding the morning after she was last seen.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gwynne Pennell said Ms McGregor's mobile had been switched on briefly on the morning of April 20.

"This is crucial new information. Who switched on the phone? How did the phone get to Feilding? Where is the phone now?"

Police spokeswoman Kim Perks said Ms McGregor's family had been helpful to police but were going through a rough time.

"They've described [their situation] as a slow-living nightmare," she said.

"They're just waiting on news. They're in a difficult situation of obviously not knowing, and it's tough."

Ms Perks said Ms McGregor valued her privacy and chose to live independently and it was not unusual for her to be out of contact with her family for periods of time.

"But it does pose a problem having to back capture nine days," Ms Perks said.

She said police were piecing together background information on Ms McGregor, including contacts for family and friends.

Up to 20 officers are working on the inquiry, with 20 more part of the search and rescue team.

Ms Perks said the new information was a key part of the investigation and police were considering all possibilities - including that Ms McGregor had been abducted or murdered.

Ms Perks said the phone, which was switched on only briefly, was not used to send any calls or text messages.

Ms McGregor was last seen by a bus driver as she drove her red Suzuki Escudo on State Highway 4, about 40km north of Whanganui.

Ms Pennell said police concern for Ms McGregor was "considerable", given that she led a simple lifestyle.

"She would not have left her cats unattended for long; she doesn't have her wallet with her. We need to know what happened on April 19 to take Marice out of her usual lifestyle."

Ms Pennell said a green Mitsubishi van or people-mover, which officers believed Ms McGregor was seen near on April 19, remained central to the inquiry.

The police have released a photo of a similar vehicle in the hope of jogging the memory of anyone who might have seen her.

Anyone with information regarding the van - described as green with a grey/silver skirt - and any sightings of it in the Whanganui, Rangitikei and Manawatu areas is asked to contact police.

"We know that there was some sort of contact between her and the vehicle but we're not in a position to comment further," Ms Perks said.

Ms McGregor is described as a solidly built European, 163cm tall, with brown hair.

A health condition means she has limited mobility and would not be able to walk far unaided.

On the day she was last seen, Ms McGregor made loose plans to meet a woman friend for coffee the following day, but never showed up.

"We're remaining hopeful but we haven't had any sightings in that period since the nineteenth. We're still asking for sightings in the hope that she is out there," Ms Perks said.

- additional reporting by NZ HERALD STAFF & NZPA