Heartfelt plea to find missing sister

The sister of a missing Rotorua woman made a heartfelt plea at a media conference marking two weeks since her disappearance.

Michelle Hoffman-Tamm had spent most of the afternoon with Jan Donlan on Wednesday, 7 November helping her around the house. Michelle then left her sister's house, briefly popped home and then told her partner she was going up the road to visit some friends. There have been no confirmed sightings of her since.

Jan describes Michelle as a very generous person. "She loves helping people; anything that anyone needs she's there." Michelle is known as the local Neighbourhood Watch person and regularly takes care of people's gardens, mows their lawns and helps with home maintenance.

It is completely out of character for Michelle to go missing and not make contact with her family and she was described by Jan as being in a "very good head space' when she was last seen.

When asked what message she had for Michelle if she is safe and well somewhere Jan replied: "Wherever you are love, please come home. We miss you, we love you and we can't cope much more."

Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith commended Michelle's family for their support of the police operation. "They have been putting up flyers, speaking to family and friends, making their own enquiries and being very proactive in trying to find Michelle."

There is currently an investigation team of 16 being supported by frontline staff and search and rescue personnel as and when the need arises.

"Michelle is a kind-hearted woman who does a lot for her community and we are hoping that same community will reciprocate her kindness by providing us information that will help is to find her," said Detective Senior Sergeant Smith.

"We hold grave fears for Michelle and as such this is a priority investigation. No matter how irrelevant the information may seem, pass it to us anyway and let us be the judge."

Michelle is described as a female European, approximately 5 foot tall, of medium build. She currently has short dark hair. She left her Philip Street home on her red mountain bike which is also missing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 3499400. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

ENDS

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