Police updates on crimes and investigations for 7 June 2023.
Police continue to appeal for sightings of Veon Smith
Police are continuing to appeal to the public for assistance in locating 48-year-old Veon Smith.
Veon was last seen at his central Whangārei home on Sunday 4 June.
As previously advised, Veon’s vehicle was located the same afternoon parked at Mair Park, Whangārei.
He was last seen wearing a pair of black Hunting and Fishing trackpants, and a long sleeve polar fleece shirt with dark green and black squares on it.
Despite an extensive search in the Mair Park and Parahaki areas this week, we have not yet located Veon and both Police and his family have serious concerns for his safety.
A search in the nearby area is continuing today, however it is possible he may have travelled out of the area.
Veon is described as being tall, with short brown hair, and of slim build.
Police continue to ask anyone who has any information, or knows the whereabouts of Veon, to please contact them.
Additionally, anyone who has found anything unusual in Mair Park or on Parahaki, please call 105 and quote file number 230604/1348.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Updated 9 June 2023 – Body of missing Northland man found
Police can advise a man previously reported as missing has been located deceased at Parihaka Reserve, Whangārei.
The body was discovered by a member of the public on the evening of Thursday 8 June.
He has been identified as 48-year-old Veon Smith, who was reported missing on Sunday 4 June.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and has been referred to the Coroner.
‘Our thoughts are with Mr Smith’s family and friends at this very sad time.
‘We thank the many members of the public who contacted us with sightings and information during the search for Mr Smith.’
Name releases, fatal crash, Taupō
Police are now in a position to release the names of the two people who died in a crash on State Highway 5, Iwitahi on Sunday 28 May.
They were Louis Fox-Pratt, 17, of Napier and Jacob Fitzgerald, 16, of Rotorua.
Enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
