Friends last heard from Wellington Hospital nurse Vanron Ngoun two weeks ago.
Friends last heard from Wellington Hospital nurse Vanron Ngoun two weeks ago.
In four years of nursing training, Vanron Ngoun never missed a single class.
As of today, friends and family of the Wellington Hospital nurse have not heard from him for two weeks.
Ngoun was travelling in Europe. He last made contact in Naples, Italy on May 27.
Ngoun’s friend, VictoriaUniversity School of Health associate professor Dr Clive Aspin, said it was “highly unusual” for Ngoun not to contact friends and family.
Aspin told the Herald Ngoun – a survivor of the Cambodian genocide – came to New Zealand seven years ago and put himself through four years of nursing training.
“He never missed a single class,” Aspin said.
“He became a registered nurse. He’s making an amazing contribution improving the mental health of patients in New Zealand.”
Vanron Ngoun last made contact with loved ones from Naples, Italy on May 27.
He called Ngoun a kind and caring person and someone who loves baking cakes for the people he loves.
“NZ Police would potentially look to engage with Interpol in coming days if there are no further leads that emerge.”
Today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the situation was “incredibly worrying and concerning” for Ngoun’s family and friends.
“The individual has travelled on an Australian passport.”
Luxon said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) would work with the Australian system.
“The family’s done the right thing dealing with the Australian authorities given the individual has travelled on an Australian passport.”
MFAT said it was aware of the situation.
“We have been in touch with the Australian High Commission in New Zealand and understand that consular assistance is being provided by Australian authorities.”
Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and the Bay of Plenty Times.
