Police say missing 22yo Kāpiti Coast woman 'unlikely' to walk 'back through the door in time for Christmas'

"They need to know where their much-loved daughter and family member is."
"They need to know where their much-loved daughter and family member is." Photo credit: NZ Police

Police say the chances of a missing 22-year-old Kāpiti Coast woman "walking back through the door in time for Christmas is now very unlikely".

It's been three months since Breanna Muriwai was last seen in the early hours of August 28 at Te Horo Beach. And since then, police said her family is in "turmoil".

"They need to know where their much-loved daughter and family member is, and we are committed to finding answers for them."

Over three months, police said they have done a "significant amount of work" in their investigation, which includes looking at Muriwai's movements over the days leading up to her disappearance. 

Police say the 22-year-old was picked up by a male friend from the Wellington area on August 26 where the pair travelled to Palmerston North and stayed overnight.

"The last CCTV images we have of Breanna were captured around 11:15am on Saturday at a liquor store in Palmerston North. That evening, Breanna wanted to return to her home in Paraparaumu and her friend agreed to take her."

Police said on their travels back to Paraparaumu, the pair picked up another man and drove south, stopping at around 12:45am at Kimberley Reserve near Levin for a short time. 

"The next stop is in Ōtaki where Breanna's friend withdrew money from Breanna's account."

The group then drove a short distance to park outside Hunting and Fishing on Ōtaki's main street. 

Police said from there, they travelled to meet another person at Hyde Park, on the corner of State Highway 1 and Te Horo Beach Road. 

Muriwai and the two men she travelled south with then go to Te Horo Beach Rd, where they parked on the beach access on Sea Rd. 

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson said from this point onwards, the group's movements become unclear.

"Breanna is reported to have run off down the beach and has not been seen since. Her phone stopped polling earlier in the night and her bank account has not been touched."

Det Snr Sgt Thompson said the 22-year-old has not since been in touch with family or friends or accessed her social media accounts. 

"This is completely out of character for her."

Det Snr Sgt Thompson said police identified and spoke with the men that were with Muriwai a "number of times", but added "this has only given us more questions than answers".

"We are keeping an open mind as to what has happened to Breanna and continue to treat her disappearance as unexplained."

Police are now appealing for any information from people who may have seen a Peugeot vehicle on the night of August 27 and 28 in the area of Kimberly Reserve, Otaki Main Rd, Hyde Park, Te Horo Sea Rd beach access, Peka Peka and the former Marycrest School area. 

Police say missing 22yo Kāpiti Coast woman 'unlikely' to walk 'back through the door in time for Christmas'
Photo credit: NZ Police

Police would also like to hear from anyone who may have seen a green early model Honda from the early hours of August 29.

Police say missing 22yo Kāpiti Coast woman 'unlikely' to walk 'back through the door in time for Christmas'
Photo credit: NZ Police

"There are people out there who know more about the circumstances of Breanna's disappearance, and we want to hear from them."

On August 28, a member of the public spotted some property at the Sea Rd access, including a handbag. Police have recovered and confirmed the bag belonged to Muriwai. 

Police believe the Peugeot vehicle belongs to one of the men Muriwai was with that evening.

Police are still eager to hear from anyone who may have seen a purple suitcase that police have earlier appealed for information about. 

"This suitcase has not been recovered and we want to hear from any members of the public who may have seen the purple suitcase and its contents at Sea Road access. Although we have been told one person's account of the contents, we are looking for any further information about it and its current whereabouts."

Police say missing 22yo Kāpiti Coast woman 'unlikely' to walk 'back through the door in time for Christmas'
Photo credit: NZ Police

Anyone with information is urged to contact police by visiting their local station or call 105 and quote file number 220829/5320. 

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.