Parents of missing man to front media conference

The parents of a man who disappeared in Tauranga six years ago will front a media conference in Palmerston North this afternoon as part of the ongoing investigation into the case.

Nicholas Pike was 22 when he was last seen with an 18-year-old woman and two men by the wharf at Mt Maunganui early on March 15, 2002.

A reward of $50,000 was offered for information leading to either the discovery of Mr Pike's body or a conviction over what police suspect might be his murder.

The reward expired last year.

Police said Mr Pike was a small-time drug dealer but didn't believe he was involved in the scene enough to prompt a murder.

The press conference was to be held at the Palmerston North police station. Police were this morning refusing to say what would be discussed.

- NZPA