Transient man wanted in Brauer case

Have you seen this man? Michael Scott Wallace is a transient and police say he could be anywhere in New Zealand.

A nationwide manhunt has begun for Michael Scott Wallace, the man wanted in connection with the murder of German backpacker Birgit Brauer.

Mr Wallace is 44 years old, Maori and has tattoos on his neck and both hands.

He is the first and only person to be named in connection with Ms Brauer's murder since the 28-year-old's stabbed and beaten body was found at Lucy's Gully 2 1/2 weeks ago.

Detective Senior Sergeant Grant Coward believes Mr Wallace was in the Taranaki region on the day the tourist was murdered.

They believe he was driving the Toyota Hilux police have been following sightings of throughout the homicide inquiry.

"I urge everyone throughout New Zealand to study the photograph of Mr Wallace carefully and to contact the police immediately if he is sighted at any place at any time," said Mr Coward.

"Police emphasise that Mr Wallace could be anywhere in New Zealand, as he is extremely transient by nature.

"He should therefore not be approached by any member of the public."

Mr Coward said the Hilux Mr Wallace was driving was the same one found dumped in the Ohau River on Wednesday last week.

Police have been unable to link that Toyota to the murder inquiry and say forensic tests are still not available.

But Mr Coward said the dumped Hilux matched the description of the one Ms Brauer was last seen getting into at Waitotara.

It also matches the sightings of a Hilux on the day she died at Lucy's Gully, a reserve in the settlement of Cardiff and three days later at Lake Rotokare, where her backpacks were found this week.

The Hilux was reported stolen on August 26 by Himatangi man Brent Cleverley, who employed Mr Wallace for four months as a woodcutter.

Mr Cleverley told the Herald Mr Wallace used the Hilux as part of his job but failed to show up for work on the morning of August 15.

He sent text messages to Mr Cleverley several times saying he would return the Hilux but never did.

It is understood Mr Wallace fled in the vehicle after being wanted on a drink-driving charge.

He was known to still have the 4WD on the day Mr Cleverley reported it stolen.

"Twenty minutes before I reported it stolen it was stopped up at Raglan [by police] and he gave his brother's name, so the police let it go," said Mr Cleverley.

Mr Wallace, who was last seen with dark, curly, shoulder-length hair, is believed to have family in the Waikato and Kaikoura areas.

He spent time last year working at vineyards in Marlborough.

Mr Cleverley's message for his former employee was to "turn yourself in and clear your name".

Mr Coward said police were making strenuous efforts to find Mr Wallace, who is also known as Michael Jason Hemi or Allan Wallace.

Mr Coward said the public's assistance had been phenomenal and greatly appreciated.

It was now hoped the public would be able to help the police further by telling them where Mr Wallace was hiding.

Anyone with information can phone the homicide team on 0800 CRIMESTOP or 0800 274-637.

Michael Scott Wallace

* Aged 44.

* Slim to medium build, about 180cm tall ( 5'11").

* Maori, though sometimes mistaken for European.

* Last seen with curly, dark shoulder-length hair.