Police investigating the multi-million dollar arson attack on the ski fields at Ruapehu in February believe that a key may unlock crucial evidence.
The fire started around midnight on Friday, 13 February burning down Knoll Ridge Cafe and a nearby workshop containing snow groomers, fuel and other ski equipment. Thankfully no-one has been injured during the fire.
Police are now in possession of a key engraved with the numbers 474564 and believe it may assist the inquiry.
Detective Chris Chapman said: "We aren't able to say too much about how we came by the key as it could jeopardise the investigation. What we are able to say is that it relates to someone who has become a person of interest, and identifying what it opens could greatly assist us in confirming his involvement or eliminating him from our inquiry."
The key shows signs of a reasonable amount of use and the engraving may help to distinguish it from the 'run of the mill' key. We have been advised that each number indicates the depth of the cuts of the key and that it is unusual for this number to be engraved onto the key itself. It may be to a storage facility, bach or house possibly within the region of the Central North Island.
Anyone with information about the key or the wider investigation is asked to contact Taumarunui Police on 07 895 8119. All information received will be treated as confidential.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 06 351 2546 or 027 234 8256. If you want a broadcast interview please contact Taumarunui Police on 07 895 8119 and ask to speak to Detective Chris Chapman.