Police find car thought linked to missing woman

Marice McGregor was last seen on Monday April 19. Photo / Supplied

Police have found a vehicle they believe is linked to the disappearance of Whanganui woman Marcie McGregor.

Ms McGregor, also known as Katrina, was last seen by a bus driver as she drove her red Suzuki Escudo on State Highway 4, about 40km north of Wanganui, on Monday, April 19. Her car was later found parked near the Lismore Forest, 20km north of Whanganui.

Police had called for sightings of a green 4WD van which they believe Ms McGregor had some contact with on April 19 or 20.

She was seen near the vehicle on April 19, but it was not known if she got into it.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gwynne Pennell this morning said police were now in possession of the vehicle, which was being forensically examined.

She said police believed that the vehicle was in the town of Marton mid-evening on April 19.

"At this time our interest in this vehicle must remain privy to the investigation so as not to compromise the ongoing operation," she said.

"Our priority remains finding Marice. From my experience, given the time elapsed, we now have to treat Marice's disappearance as suspicious."

Ms Pennell said the movements of the car remained central to the investigation into Ms McGregor's disappearance.


Ms McGregor is described as a 163cm tall, solidly built European with brown hair.

A health condition meant she had limited mobility and would not be able to walk far unaided.

On the day she was last seen, Ms McGregor made loose plans to meet a woman friend for coffee the following day, but never showed up.

Anyone with any information that will assist this investigation is asked to contact Whanganui Police on 06 349 0600.

- NZHERALD STAFF with NZPA