Hamilton High Court Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
A 32-year-old South Canterbury woman has been charged with the 2021 murder of Waimate man Anaru Moana.
Detective Inspector Joel Syme said the woman appeared in the Timaru District Court on Friday, after her arrest on Thursday.
She will remain in custody and reappear in the High Court at Christchurch on 11 April.
Moana was reported missing on 23 December 2021. Extensive inquiries have been carried out to locate him and hold those responsible to account said Syme.
Police believe he was murdered around the time he was reported missing.
"Four people are now facing charges in relation to Moana's murder," Syme said.
"Our work isn't over; Moana's body has not been located and that remains the focus for us. His whanāu deserve the right to lay their loved one to rest. We continue to urge those who know where Moana's body is to please let us know."
He said police were grateful to the members of the public who provided information.
To contact police with further information call 105 or visit police.govt.nz. Use the reference number 211223/0992, or cite Operation Moana.
To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
