Police are releasing the following statement on behalf of Stephen Gourlay's family.
To be attributed to Emma Feather Shaw, Stephen's youngest daughter:
My name is Emma Feather Shaw and on behalf of the Shaw-Gourlay whanau I wish to make the following media release in regards to our dad being missing.
Our dad is a loving father, grandfather, friend and workmate. While he can be quite shy, he always comes out of his shell in the company of his children and grandkids who he is there for no matter what. He is popular among a group of friends who hail from all walks of life. Dad is always there to lend a hand with things like shifting house, babysitting or lending an ear and a shoulder to a friend or family member when they’re feeling down.
Our dad has spent the last few days helping us babysit the grandkids, run mundane errands, help a friend move house, and deliver a fire wood donation to a member of the community. For him these are very ordinary days and very ordinary activities for him to have carried out.
He was last with family on the 18 December 2015 celebrating the birth of a new grandchild and was with a friend at his house on Saturday 19 December 2015.
It was not until 23 December 2015, which is dad’s birthday, when we noticed something could be wrong as he failed to get in contact with us as he usually would to celebrate his birthday. We started to worry but thought there must be a logical explanation. When he failed to get in contact on Christmas Day, and it came to light that he was not traveling with the friends he planned to spend new years with, we reported him missing to the police.
This is a very stressful time for us as a family and, understandably, we have been too busy to comment to the media until now. It is so unlike dad to wander off like this without letting someone know his plans. There are honestly so few leads that it really is a needle in a haystack search.
We appreciate everyone’s help. The police have been incredible, and the Search and Rescue team have worked tirelessly covering a huge area of places where dad may have gone out for a walk on a sunny day and, for whatever reason, not made it home. We have a large group of friends and family all helping however they can.
We ask that members of the public also keep an eye out around their neighbourhoods, and homes, in areas of bush and similar. We ask of the public that they just keep sharing posts on Facebook, and ringing in to the police with any information they may have, even if it turns out to not be of use, just keep those phone calls coming in. Please help bring him home, we miss him so much and are worried sick.
ENDS
Released by Nic Barkley, District Communications Manager, on 021 192 2813.
Media note: A single pre-arranged interview has been organised with a media outlet which will be made available to others when it has been conducted. Please send your request for a copy of this interview to nicholas.barkley@police.govt.nz
