The search and rescue operation hunting for missing Brett Hall in Whanganui has now stood down. Further searches will only be carried out if new information is received about his disappearance, which now has a firm homicide focus.
Detective Senior Sergeant David Kirby said: "It's impossible to say 100% that Mr Hall isn't in the bush as a result of an accident, but after 12 solid days of searching with a huge range of resources we are as confident as we can be that he is not there.
"There were concerns early in the operation that something more sinister might be at play and the absence of any information from the searches has just reinforced that view. Our belief is that Mr Hall is the victim of homicide and something like that doesn't just happen in a vacuum."
"We know he has a number of friends and associates and we believe they will be able to shed some light on what has happened, or tell us where Brett is. My message to those people is 'don't wait for us to find you'. Mr Hall has a mother, a brother and a son who are in limbo; they need to know where Mr Hall is. For that reason alone I urge anyone with information to get in touch with us."
The drivers of a white flat deck ute and a red ute and trailer seen on the Pitangi track on the afternoon and evening of Sunday, 29 May have still not come forward.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the investigation team direct on 0800 PITANGI, email Pitangi@police.govt.nz or text 0272 475843. 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.