Police to revisit old ground in search for missing woman

Up to 25 police and search-and-rescue members will search the 48ha Matua Block near Kerikeri this weekend in the hunt for missing Kerikeri woman Cristel De Vetten.

Northland police Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Pannett said an area of the Matua Block which has already been searched would be re-searched, while fresh land would also be covered.

The reason for going over old ground was to be "thorough", Mr Pannett said.

Police were also looking into reports that Ms De Vetten - who has been missing for 21 days - had been exploring internet dating sites.

"We are investigating all aspects of her life and if she was involved in internet dating we will investigate that aspect also," he said.

Police had "no suspects" over the disappearance.

"This is an open- minded investigation. We are still pursuing a number of possible options. We are looking at her background and who she has been interacting with," Mr Pannett said.

Ms De Vetten disappeared from her rural home on Matua Block, Redcliffs Rd, north of Kerikeri, on February 10.

She was reportedly depressed but left no clues she was suicidal and there was no sign of a struggle in the house. None of her personal possessions had been taken, he said.

Her partner, John Craven, said he returned from burning gorse to find her gone, leaving her four-year- old son Jaxon behind.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (Whangarei)