Despite tireless efforts and countless hours of searching, 77-year-old Kapiti man Graham Russell Smith remains missing a year on from his disappearance.
Smith was reported missing while walking in the area of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob near Porirua at about 6.30pm on November 10, 2024.
At the time, officers made many appeals to the public for information on his whereabouts and used thermal imaging equipment in their attempt to locate him.
Acting Detective Sergeant Nicholas Mead said police investigating his disappearance still hold hope he could be returned to his loved ones.
“Despite hundreds of hours searching, including search and rescue field teams, aerial work with helicopters and drones, various dog teams and CIB staff, Graham has not been located,” he said.
Smith had been walking on the Doctors Track, near to Spicer Botanical Reserve.
“The area has multiple walkways and mountain bike trails, and is a very popular area for walkers, day trampers and mountain bikers,” he said.
Graham was described as being around 165cm tall and was wearing a blue puffer jacket and brown corduroy pants at the time he was reported missing.
He potentially suffered from dementia and had difficulty hearing.
Police continue to hold hope that someone may have information that could assist in locating Smith or provide closure to his whānau.
Anyone with information that might help with the police investigation was encouraged to contact 105 with details.
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