Woman's phone used after disappearance

Police are appealing for sightings of a green van or people mover like the one inset. Photos / Supplied

Police investigating the disappearance of a Whanganui woman Marice McGregor have widened their search to the Manawatu after evidence her mobile phone was switched on in the region a day after she vanished.

Detective Senior Sergeant Gwynne Penell said Ms McGregor's phone was briefly switched on near the town of Fielding on the morning of Tuesday April 20.

"This is crucial new information," she said. "Who switched on the phone? How did the phone get to Feilding? Where is the phone now?"

Twenty searchers, a dog team, and a helicopter were today called in to scour Lismore Forest, near Whanganui, for any sign of Ms McGregor.

The 45-year-old, 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. The car was later found parked near the Lismore Forest, 20km north of Whanganui. It was thought she could have been collecting pine cones in the area.

Her wallet was in the car and her bank account has not been touched. Divers have unsuccessfully searched a nearby waterway.

Ms Pennell this afternoon said police had considerable concern for Marice, who she said led a very simple life.

"She would not have left her cats unattended for long; she doesn't have her wallet with her. We need to know what happened on Monday, 19 April to take Marice out of her usual lifestyle.

"All explanations for his disappearance remain on the table but each day that goes by the more pressing it becomes to find out which scenario is the reality."

Police earlier ruled out Ms McGregor being the victim of a "random accident" and are considering more sinister scenarios.

They are keen to trace 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.

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.

- NZPA with NZHERALD STAFF