Mass search finds no trace of Mr Hall

As Police continue to try to locate missing Brett Hall, an 0800 number and an email address have been set up to enable people to pass information direct to the investigation team.

Approximately 80 people spent the weekend searching a 16 square kilometre area of Whanganui around Mr Hall's Pitangi Track property. This included cliff rescue experts abseiling into the areas that searchers had previously been unable to reach on foot. There is still no sign of Mr Hall or any indication that he is in that area.

The search coordinators are now reviewing the work they've carried out over the last 12 days to decide if there are any further searches that can assist the inquiry.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby: "After such large-scale searching the possibility that he has had an accident in the area has become incredibly remote. The foul play scenario, either at the property or elsewhere, has become increasingly likely."

A phone number has now been set up so that members of the public with information about Mr Hall can speak direct to a member of the investigation team. That number is 0800 PITANGI (0800 7482 644). An email address has also been set up which is pitangi@police.govt.nz. Texts can be sent to 0272 475843.

The driver of a white flat deck ute seen leaving the Pitangi Track around 7pm on Sunday, 29 May has still not been identified. Police also want to identify the driver of a red ute. This ute was seen parked up on the track where it meets the Whanganui River Road around 4pm on Sunday afternoon. It had a trailer of wood on the back and a man was standing by the vehicle.

"It is important that we identify and eliminate these vehicles from the investigation. A continued lack of response to our appeal for those drivers to come forward will be construed as suspicious," said Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby. "If Mr Hall's disappearance is foul play there will be people who know about it. I realise some people can be reluctant to talk to us at times, but it is essential they do so, by whatever mechanism they feel most comfortable."

Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact the investigation team direct on 0800 PITANGI, email Pitangi@police.govt.nz or text 0272 475843. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.