A post mortem will be carried out today on the body discovered in dense bush on SH4 on Wednesday night (12 May). Identifying the body will be a major focus of the post mortem.
Police started a detailed scene examination yesterday and the body was removed from the area by helicopter just before dusk. The examination of the scene is continuing today and is likely to continue into the weekend.
Detective Senior Sergeant Gwynne Pennell said: "It is not yet possible to establish the identity of the body and we will not be in a position to release any more information until the Coroner is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so. This is unlikely to be until early next week."
Last night the disappearance of Marice McGregor was featured on Police Ten-7. 19 phone calls were received mainly relating to possible sightings of the green vehicle. This information is now being assessed.
"We are grateful to those members of the public who took the time to phone in," said Detective Senior Sergeant Gwynne Pennell. "Even if we receive confirmation that it was Marice who we located on SH4, it is by no means the end of the investigation. We will still need information that will help us to fully understand what happened to her."
Anyone with information relevant to the disappearance of Marice McGregor is asked to contact Whanganui Police on 06 349 0600. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.