Two charged with murder

Police have charged two men with the murder of a father-of-two who vanished from Waimate nearly a year ago.

Anaru Moana, 37, disappeared on December 20, several hours after his mother died of cancer. He was last seen at her home in Mary St about 6.30am.

In July, police revealed they’d launched a homicide investigation into Moana’s disappearance. They would not say why they believed he had been killed.

Yesterday, Detective Inspector Joel Syme, the officer heading the inquiry, said two men, aged 32 and 40, had been arrested and charged with Moana’s murder.

The 40-year-old appeared in Dunedin District Court yesterday charged with murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and kidnapping. He has interim name suppression and was remanded in custody.

The 32-year-old man is scheduled to appear in Christchurch District Court today charged with murder, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, and possession of methamphetamine for supply.

Court documents allege Moana was killed in Waimate on December 20. The wounding and kidnapping charges relate to a separate incident involving another victim that took place on October 7 last year in Ō amaru.

Syme said while police had not found Moana’s body it was ‘‘pleasing to have people before the courts in relation to his death’’.

‘‘We hope that having two people charged with Anaru’s death will give some comfort to the whānau, however we know how important locating their loved one is, so this will remain a priority focus for the team.

‘‘The investigation is ongoing, and police continue to appeal for information about Mr Moana’s death, and any information as to where he might be.’’

Police investigations focused on two days prior to a silver Subaru being torched in a lay-by on State Highway 1, near the Waihao River. They appealed for sightings of the Subaru, and a silver BMW seen leaving the area.

Stuff previously reported police were scrutinising the movements of two men, who they’d identified as being in the BMW by reviewing many hours of security camera footage.

Police have searched in the Waimate and Waitaki Valley areas for Moana’s body.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 105 and quote file number 211223/0992.