Detectives investigating the homicide of a North Shore woman are making a renewed appeal for anyone who may have information on the case to come forward to Police.
Today marks one year to the day that North Shore woman Cissy Chen (image attached) went missing and despite extensive searches by Police, her body has not been found and no arrests have been made.
On Monday 5 November 2012, Cissy Chen vanished from her Torbay home.
Police enquiries established that Cissy left her office in Glenfield and drove home, arriving at around 4.30pm. She was reported missing by her partner at 9.30pm that night.
The missing person investigation was upgraded to a homicide investigation soon after Cissy's disappearance.
In the past 12 months the enquiry team has continued the investigation, including working through information provided by the public, specialist search teams have combed several locations where it was believed Cissy's body may have been buried, but she remains missing.
Detective Sergeant Megan Goldie says the past year has been incredibly difficult for Cissy's family.
"Cissy was a treasured family member and friend, and we'd love to be able to give her family the answers they deserve. We believe her body was buried in a secluded location, such as a green belt or bush reserve, and we'd ask people to think back about what they were doing on Guy Fawkes Night last year and whether they witnessed any behaviour in the North Shore area that appeared strange" says Det Sgt Goldie.
"If anyone has information about Cissy's disappearance we would urge them to come to us, or provide the details anonymously to Crimestoppers."
The following statement has been written by Cissy's brothers and her father to describe what the past year has been like without her.
"In the past year, our hearts have hurt over and over, whenever we think about Cissy. My father, younger brother and I can't sleep at night, especially now on the anniversary of her disappearance. All of our relatives and friends loved Cissy and are so sad about her disappearance.
To be honest, whenever I think about Cissy, it's like my heart is being cut by a knife. I don't want to believe that Cissy has gone, I've lost my sister, she was a lovely sister. She studied and worked in Auckland for 22 years, she was so young and just at the right age where she was enjoying her life in the peaceful country of New Zealand. Until now the Police haven't been able to find Cissy's body and that's so upsetting, it hurts. Sometimes I can't even go to work.
My younger brother Peter feels the same, he asked me to express this on his behalf because his English is not good.
My father's upset is more serious, he always remembers the things Cissy did when she was a child. He can't stop thinking and talking about Cissy, he's in a rest home and we've had to arrange a psychotherapist for him, and have asked our relatives and friends to visit him more often to relieve his anxiety.
To have Cissy's body found and her murderer charged as soon as possible, that would be the best comfort for us."
Written by Philip Chen, Cissy's brother.
Anyone with information on the disappearance of Cissy Chen is asked to call Det Sgt Megan Goldie on 09 839 0600. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Media please note Det Sgt Goldie is available for interview until 3pm today.
Please call Beth to organise this.
Issued by Beth Bates/Waitematä Police
0274 752 518
