Police have released CCTV images of a man investigators believe to be the last person to have seen Northland woman Joanna Mai Sione-Lauaki alive.
Sione-Lauaki’s body was found by a member of the public between Omamari and Aranga beaches on August 2.
Her vehicle — a black Mitsubishi Outlander — was located at the Omamari Beach car park near the public toilets.
1News understands that police were called after she texted the word “help” to her husband the night before her body was found.
Detective Inspector Alan Symonds said homicide investigators are now appealing for any sightings of the man pictured in newly released CCTV images in the Baylys or Omamari beach areas on either August 1 or August 2.
The man is described by police as about 189cm tall, in his late 30s and of Caucasian complexion with green eyes, a beard and sandy coloured hair.
In the images supplied by police, the man can be seen wearing a blue sweater with white pants, dark coloured boots and a hat.
Symonds said police understand he also had two white pig hunting dogs with him.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen this man in the Baylys or Omamari beach areas, and as far north as the Bluff, on 1 or 2 August to please come forward.
“We believe this man was the last person to see Jo alive.”
Police continue seeking information on vehicle
Police are also continuing to appeal for information on a white 2012 Toyota Hilux flat deck ute.
It is described as having no registration plates, an orange hazard light on the roof and aluminium dog cages on the back.
Symonds said police believe this vehicle was in the same area where Sione-Lauaki’s body was discovered.
“We would like to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle leading up to and around Friday 2 August in the Baylys or Omamari beach areas near Dargaville and anytime up until 10 August.
“Our teams are working hard to piece together the events leading up to Jo’s death and any information, no matter how small, could assist in getting closure for her whānau.”
Appeal for missing clothing
Symonds also confirmed several of Sione-Lauaki’s clothing items “remain outstanding”.
He asked for the public’s help to locate a white Nike t-shirt with a red tick, black or dark grey tracksuit pants and red Adidas scuffs.
“I cannot stress that any information at all could assist us in identifying the person responsible for Jo’s death and holding them to account.”
Members of the public with photos or videos which may be relevant can upload them to police here.
Anyone with information can also call 105 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
