Police have put to rest false rumours circulating in the case of missing man Joseph Ahuriri.
Gisborne local and father-of-eight Ahuriri was reported as missing around the time of Cyclone Gabrielle but police believe his disappearance is not cyclone-related.
On Wednesday, police released footage of Ahuriri and his car at the Waitomo Fuel Stop at Bay View at 5:46am on February 14. Since then, there has been speculation that a second person was accompanying Ahuriri.
In a statement, Inspector Martin James from Hawke's Bay Police said they are aware of false speculation that a second person can be seen in the CCTV recording of Ahuriri.
"The investigation team has extensively reviewed the CCTV recording in question and is satisfied that the only person shown in the recording is Joseph Ahuriri," Insp James said.
"The claims of a second person appear to relate to what is in fact an open door on Joseph's vehicle."
Insp James said the team investigating the disappearance is working extremely hard to confirm his movements and provide answers for his whānau.
"Speculation such as this often comes from a place of people wanting to help, however, the spread of misinformation such as this is can be a significant hindrance to a police investigation," Insp James said.
"We continue to ask that anyone who has information that could assist the investigation contact Police by calling 105, or going online to 105.police.govt.nz using 'Update Report' and referencing 230225/2804."
