Greymouth Police are hoping the public will come forward with information to help them reunite a 90 year-old man with his life savings.
The man withdrew $23,000 from a bank in Greymouth last Friday. He was given the money in $100 bills, inside a white envelope.
The man has then gone to a cafe for a cup of tea. His movements from there are unclear.
Police have spoken with bank staff and are reviewing CCT from the bank and around the town and are also appealing to the public to help resolve the issue.
Constable Deane Harbison of Greymouth Police said the money was everything the man had and Police would dearly like to get it back for him. He said the man was a war veteran and had no close family.
"I'm hoping that if someone has found the envelope they will bring it to the Police Station. Failing that, if a member of the public or a business owner notices someone paying for goods with $100 notes, we'd like to hear about it."
He reminded the public that failure to return found property was an offence.
Anyone with information that may assist can contact Greymouth Police by calling Ph 03 768 1600. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
end