"Operation Boxer- Murder charge"

Police investigating the disappearance of Opunake man Aaron Roigard have arrested and charged a man with his murder today.

The 50-year-old Taranaki man will appear in the New Plymouth District Court today.

Detective Senior Sergeant Blair Burnett, officer in charge of the investigation says: "Information gathered over the past four months from our substantial inquiries and public appeals has resulted in the arrest and charge."

Aaron was last seen at a Waiteika Road address on Queens Birthday weekend —Monday 2 June, 2014.

Police have conducted extensive aerial and ground search phases into his disappearance.

A team of up to 15 officers from Central District have been working on the inquiry.

"The investigation team and I want to thank the public and local media for helping us with our appeals for information.

"While this arrest signals considerable progress in our inquiry, our goal is to locate Aaron's body.

"The investigation team is committed to returning Aaron to his family who grieve for him deeply.

We encourage anyone that has any information relating to this investigation to contact Police immediately," says Detective Senior Sergeant Burnett.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Chris Allemann (06) 213 9536.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the organization Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

As the case is before the courts no further comment will be made at this time.

ENDS

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