Attribute to Detective Sergeant Alex Simister
Police investigating the disappearance of Gisborne father Joseph Ahuriri have carried out a further search in the Bay View area over the last two days.
Our attention this week focused on an area of beach at the mouth of Esk River, just off North Shore Road.
The area was identified following a 2023 magnometer drone survey, which showed a metal-like object of interest around 5 metres below the surface.
Police and specialist search teams used an excavator to move around 2000 cubic metres of sand.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate Joseph or any items of interest in relation to his disappearance.
The result of this search is a disappointing one for us.
We have been committed to finding Joseph since he went missing 14 months ago.
I want to acknowledge the resilience of his family throughout this operation. They were present at the river throughout the search and were obviously hopeful for some form of resolution.
We will continue to search for answers. Whether that involves another physical search is something we need to consider.
Joseph was last seen at the Waitomo fuel stop in Bay View, Napier, on 14 February 2023. At the time he disappeared, the father of eight was attempting to head to Gisborne from Napier as Cyclone Gabrielle hit the region.
Media advisory:
Detective Sergeant Alex Simister will be available to speak to media at 4:30pm today in relation to the search.
Media are asked to assemble at the end of North Shore Road near the beach entrance by 4:20pm.
Please email media@police.govt.nz to confirm attendance.
Additional notes for media:
Additional footage:
Media are advised additional b-roll footage and still images are available. Please email media@police.govt.nz to request a link to this material.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
