It’s been nearly 11 months since his disappearance, but the search continues for a Carterton man who went missing after going for a run in the Mount Holdsworth area.
His family are now planning on raising money to hire a private investigator in the hope of solving the mystery.
Michael MacGregor Namana was last seen at Mt Holdsworth Rocky Lookout on July 31, 2023, and near Mt Holdsworth Lodge just before that.
Despite an extensive search and rescue operation following his disappearance, as well as the deployment of cadaver dogs, no trace of him has been found since.
MacGregor Namana’s aunty, Ariana Namana, told the Times-Age that his family is not giving up on the search for him and continues to encourage members of the public to keep an eye out for signs of him when they’re in the Mt Holdsworth area.
“We do know of local police officers who will go and search for him when they are not working on their days off,” Namana said.
However, she added, “As a family, we’ve had information other than Michael being up on Mt Holdsworth that day, but certain information cannot be shared because the investigation is still active.
“With what information we have received thus far, it will now need a private investigator.”
Namana has been in contact with other families dealing with similar situations, which has aided her decision to hire a professional to probe the case.
She estimates the family will need to raise between $30,000 and $50k to cover the costs of an investigator and related legal fees.
They intend to set up a GoFundMe appeal for this purpose; anyone interested in supporting this is asked to express interest on the Facebook page ‘Help Bring Mikey Namana Home’.
While they are continuing the search, Namana wants to remind people that her family is also still grieving and requests that people be respectful.
“Look after your friends and take care of your family,” Namana said.
“We will not stop.”
A police spokesperson confirmed that the investigation is still open, and while they are not actively searching, police do undertake further exploration when they are in the area where MacGregor Namana was last sighted.
Anyone with new information about the case should either use the 105 non-emergency line or pop into the local police station [21 Church St, Masterton] and quote the file number 230803/0972.
