Canterbury Police working hard to find answers around the disappearance of Anaru Moana are seeking information about a car in the area he was last seen.

Mr Moana was reported missing on 23 December 2021, as having last been seen several days earlier.

He did not turn up to a funeral as expected, raising the concern of his whānau – and Police believe the 37-year-old has met with foul play.

Detective Inspector Joel Syme says Anaru was a brother, son, father, and friend, and his loved ones deserve answers.

“We are piecing together what has happened to Anaru and working incredibly hard to identify those responsible.

“Police will also be searching areas of interest in the coming weeks, as a priority for us all is returning Anaru to his whānau,” Detective Inspector Syme says.

Police would like to thank those that have come forward with information so far, and have another appeal to the community as well.

A vehicle of interest to the homicide investigation was discovered burnt-out near the Waihao River, less than 10km from where Anaru was last seen by his niece on the morning of 20 December.

In the early hours of Wednesday 22 December, the Police Emergency Communications Centre received a number of calls from members of the public reporting a vehicle fire.

Another vehicle was then seen leaving the area, and Police are seeking information on it and its movements.

Police are asking for sightings of a silver 2004 Subaru Legacy sedan (similar to the one pictured), in and around Waimate and Oamaru between Monday 20 December and Wednesday 22 December.

Anyone with information is asked to please come forward to Police via 105 and quote file number 211223/0992.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org

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