Fresh tip in missing scientist case

Jim Donnelly. Photo / Supplied

Police are investigating a fresh sighting of missing Auckland scientist Jim Donnelly.

Max Papich said he was "absolutely sure" the married father of two was in Waipu Cove, Northland, around the time he disappeared in June 2004.

"The way he did his hair, pushed out to the side, same height, same complexion, same everything," said the 72-year-old retiree.

The Herald on Sunday last week revealed police had been searching for Donnelly more than five years after his disappearance.

Senior Sergeant Dave Glossop said police were looking for a body, and had scoured land around Glenbrook steel mill, southwest of Auckland, where Donnelly worked.

Papich, of Waipu, said he and his brother hired the mystery man to work on his farm. The man told him he was sleeping on the beach, which was strange because he was a "perfectionist" and "very professional".

He also said he was a scientist and worked in South Auckland with Pacific Steel but would not say much more.

Papich became aware of the hunt through a TV news item but soon after heard of a man who killed himself in Waipu Cove and believed it had been the stranger.

Police said this week the man who killed himself was not Donnelly.

Donnelly's wife Tracey said her husband didn't usually describe himself as a scientist but was grateful for any information.

rachel.grunwell@hos.co.nz