The investigation into the possible murder of Wanganui man Whitu Hansen continues nearly seven weeks after he vanished, and police want to find his dog.
Mr Hansen, 48, has not been seen since November 24 and a missing persons inquiry was launched on December 2. It was upgraded to a homicide investigation eight days later. Twelve officers from Manawatu, Wanganui and Taranaki are working on the investigation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Harrison, officer in charge of the homicide inquiry, said police are now seeking sightings of Mr Hansen's dog Henry.
Mr Harrison said from the ongoing inquiries police established Henry was with Mr Hansen at the time of his disappearance, and he normally took the dog with him when he went out.
"From our inquiries, no one has seen Henry since Mr Hansen has disappeared, and the dog's whereabouts may play an important role in shedding more light on Mr Hansen's location.