Missing Auckland man Ronny Okeke, 60, was involved in an "altercation" close to the time he disappeared, police revealed on Thursday.
Okeke was last seen on Saturday April 27 in Mt Roskill, but he wasn't reported missing until six days later, on May 3.
Police later said they had "grave concerns" for Okeke, and still don't know what happened to him after April 27.
But on Thursday, Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said investigators were building a picture around Okeke's final movements.
He said police now believe an "altercation" happened between a man and Okeke on, or around, the day he was last seen.
“No arrests have been made at this point, but I can confirm we have since spoken with a person of interest in relation to Ronny’s disappearance," he said.
Police believe Okeke was injured in that altercation, and he hasn't been heard from since. The man in question was not charged.
The latest update comes after police carried out search warrants in late May, at a property in Maungawhau/Mount Eden and another in Ramarama. They also also examined two vehicles of interest.
Forensic testing continues on "a number of samples and items" related to these.
Detectives also recovered Okeke's mobile phone, which is an "important piece in the puzzle", said Baldwin.
Last week, police appealed for dashcam footage from drivers who had travelled between the Kaimai Summit Loop Track and Ramarama, between 10pm on April 27 and 7pm the following day.
Baldwin said in May that Okeke was regularly in contact with his wife, who lives overseas - and it's "highly unusual" for him not to call her for so long.
Police urge the public to get in touch if they've seen Okeke since April 27, or have any information on his location.
People can call police on 105, or go online here and quote file number 240501/3879.
