Manawatu Police have now charged a man with the murder of Whanganui man, Whetu Teaola Hansen, who was last seen on Sunday the 24th of November, 2013.
A 56-year-old man from the Manawatü was arrested and charged by officers earlier today. He will appear in the Palmerston North District Court on Wednesday the 14th of May, 2014.
Mr Hansen's disappearance began as a missing person investigation and was upgraded to a homicide inquiry in early December 2013.
Both Mr Hansen and his dog Henry have not yet been located and Police still want to speak to anyone that may have any information about their whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Dave Wilson (06) 213 9595. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
"Officer's from across the District have worked tirelessly on this investigation since it began, and there is still much work to be done with the main focus of returning Mr Hansen to his family," says Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison, officer in charge of the investigation.
As the matter is now before the court Police will make no further comment.
Note: Detective Senior Sergeant Harrison is not available for interviews.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Sara Stavropoulos on 027 702 0850.