A man has been arrested in relation to the disappearance of Harley Shrimpton, who was last seen almost one month ago in Mount Maunganui.
Police believe the 28-year-old, who was reported missing by his family two weeks ago, may have been the victim of foul play.
Shrimpton, from Tauranga, was last seen getting into a blue Toyota Prius in the McDonald's carpark in Mount Maunganui on the afternoon of November 3.
Police said the car was unlawfully taken the day before from the Bellevue area in Tauranga and has since been recovered by officers.
On November 17, Shrimpton was reported missing by his family members and since then police have been searching for him.
"Due to these circumstances, and a lack of other sightings, Police believe Mr Shrimpton may have been the victim of foul play," Detective Inspector Lindsay Pilbrow said.
"Mr Shrimpton's family are extremely distressed by his disappearance, and desperate to locate him and bring him home."
Over the last two days, police have searched several properties in Western Bay of Plenty with the assistance of specialist squads and forensic experts.
A 21-year-old man is due in court on Friday charged with kidnapping in relation to the disappearance of Shrimpton.
Det Insp Pilbrow said police are aware that a number of people will know what has happened, including Shrimpton's current location and the circumstances around his disappearance.
"We're appealing to those people to contact us directly, confidentially if necessary, to provide any information they may have that could assist," Det Insp Pilbrow said.
Police are seeking any information in relation to Shrimpton's disappearance and location, as well as sightings of the blue Prius from November 2 until November 5.
"The investigation will continue until Mr Shrimpton has been found, and everyone responsible for his disappearance or any subsequent criminal actions have been held to account," Det Insp Pilbrow said.
