Police can now confirm the identity of the victim. She is Birgit Brauer, a 28 year old German tourist.
She has been in New Zealand since 17 February this year. Birgit Brauer worked mainly in Queenstown and in the last few weeks she travelled to Wellington and then onto Wanganui.
She was found in an area known as Lucy's Gully between Oakura and Okato at about 5 pm on Tuesday 20 September 2005.
Police are seeking her property which is still outstanding - two backpacks, which contained a silver digital camera, German passport, a wallet (unknown style), diary, clothing, a stone collection, a cellphone, sneakers- brown with red and yellow detailing and prescription glasses.
The last known sighting of her was in Waitotara. The enquiry team wish to hear from anyone who was in Waitotara between 9am and 10am on Tuesday 20 September 2005.
The Police believe Birgit Brauer got into a 4-wheel drive vehicle, stationwagon style,
4-door, dark grey or black in colour, at Waitotara at about 9.30am.
The post mortem confirmed she died from multiple injuries, which included significant head trauma and one stab wound to the chest.
The most insignificant thing to a member of the public may be the most significant thing to the Police enquiry team. If anyone has any information in relation to this homicide, let us make the decision as to whether it is important or not.
This is a vicious attack and we are appealing to the person or persons responsible to come forward now. We will find you.
Anyone with any information please contact New Plymouth Police on 7595500 or phone: 0800 CRIMESTOP (0800 274637)