Acting Detective Sergeant Nicholas Mead:

Police investigating the disappearance of Kapiti man Graham Russell Smith are still hopeful that he can be returned to his loved ones.

Monday 10 November marked the one-year anniversary of the 77-year-old having gone missing.

Graham was reported missing while walking in the area of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob at about 6.30pm on 10 November 2024.

Graham had been walking on the Doctors Track, near to Spicer Botanical Reserve. The area has multiple walkways and mountain bike trails, and is a very popular area for walkers, day trampers and mountain bikers.

Graham was described as around 165cm tall and was wearing a blue puffer jacket and brown corduroy pants at the time he was reported missing. He potentially suffered from dementia and had difficulty hearing.

Despite hundreds of hours searching, including search and rescue field teams, aerial work with helicopters and drones, various dog teams and CIB staff, Graham has not been located.

Police continue to hold hope that someone may have information that could assist in locating Graham or provide closure to his whānau.

If you have any information that might help our investigation, please get in touch by calling 105, referencing file number 241111/3559.

We acknowledge the tireless efforts of all agencies and volunteers involved in the search and thank the community for their support.

Police also extend our thoughts to Graham's family at this difficult time.

© Scoop Media