Canterbury Police have reactivated enquiries into the disappearance of a Christchurch man 22 years ago and are appealing to the public for information.
Terence Hendry, a 32-year old Christchurch man, went missing from his Woolston home on 20 June 1991 and has not been seen or heard from since.
After a recent review of unsolved missing person files, investigators have re-opened the enquiry in an effort to establish what happened to Mr Hendry.
Detective Inspector Tom Fitzgerald says enquiries will extend to the Kaikoura area and the West Coast, where Mr Hendry had connections and was known to holiday.
"After reviewing the file there are a number of lines of enquiry that we will follow up over the coming weeks," he says.
"We're hoping that a fresh look at the case, and an appeal for information, will also turn up some new leads.
"At this stage we have an open mind as to what's happened to Mr Hendry.
"Given the length of time that has elapsed with no sightings, however, we believe Mr Hendry is dead, and we clearly can't rule out foul play."
Mr Hendry was last seen on Thursday 20 June 1991 at his home at 45 Tabart Street, Woolston, where he lived with his parents and brother.
At around 4.30 pm that day he is believed to have left the house in his orange Datsun 120Y, registration HS359, to go to the St Martins post office to withdraw money. Neither Terence nor his vehicle has been seen since.
Hendry's distinctive hand-painted car had no front passenger seat, and would have attracted attention because of its poor condition.
"During the Police enquiries that followed it was established that he didn't make it to the post office, which was about two kilometres from his home," Detective Inspector Fitzgerald says.
"Despite extensive television and media coverage following his disappearance there have been no confirmed sightings of Terence or his vehicle."
At the time of his disappearance Hendry was suffering from a mental health condition that required him to take medication, but his medication was left behind, as were all of his possessions and passport.
Hendry was also known to have been planning holidays at the time he disappeared. He was known to holiday on the West Coast of the South Island and in the Kaikoura area.
Detective Inspector Fitzgerald says investigations will include enquiries into past connections in those areas.
Hendry is survived by a brother and three sisters. "Since Terence’s disappearance his mother and father have passed away without knowing what happened to him. It would be good to be able to achieve some closure in this case."
Police would like to hear from anyone who may have information that can assist with their enquiries into Terence Hendry's disappearance.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Al Lester at Christchurch police on (03) 3637400.
Alternatively, to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Photo: Terence Hendry
