A police investigation into a missing Gisborne man is entering a new phase as search and rescue teams extend their search into more remote areas.
Joseph Ahuriri was last seen on February 14 while driving his white Toyota Hilux.
Supported by the New Zealand Defence Force and Urban Search and Rescue, Police have carried out extensive searches for Ahuriri and his car for the past month.
Inspector Martin James from Hawke's Bay Police said search areas have included around Whakatu, Clive, Esk Valley, along the Napier-Taupo Road, State Highway 5 and State Highway 2, in addition to many of the rural roads off SH5 and SH2. Now, the search area is extended to include remote areas north of Bay View.
A CCTV recording at the Waitomo Fuel Stop at Bay View shows Ahuriri and his car at 5:46am on February 14. Insp James said the footage indicates that when Ahuriri left this location, he drove north towards the Bay View village.
"The recent discovery of the Bay View CCTV footage has been part of an extensive CCTV canvassing phase in the investigation into Joseph's disappearance," Insp James said.
"This phase has been complicated by the fact that a lot of CCTV in the Hawke's Bay area was not working at the time due to power failures."
Police have also interviewed a number of Ahuriri's friends and associates to try and confirm where he went since he was reported missing.
"Police continue to work hard to locate Joseph and appreciate the assistance from people who have come forward with information and CCTV footage," Insp James said.
"The investigation team is interested in viewing CCTV footage from Seafield Road and Glengarry Road and ask that anyone in this area who has CCTV and who has not already been approached by Police to please make contact with us."
Anyone who has information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Police by calling 105, or going online to 105.police.govt.nz using Update Report and referencing 230225/2804.
