Breanna Muriwai was 22 when she disappeared.

'She'd never go anywhere without her phone': Missing woman's mum on beach discovery

Author: Benjamin Plummer, NZ Herald,
Publish Date: Fri, 7 Oct 2022, 9:48am

The mother of missing Wellington woman Breanna Muriwai hopes the discovery of her phone will provide answers about her disappearance and bring her home.

Muriwai, 22, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday, August 28, at Te Horo Beach on the North Island's Kāpiti Coast.

Police today revealed that her phone was found on the beach by a resident last week.

Muriwai's mother Jasmin Gray shared the news on Facebook, saying her daughter would never go anywhere without her phone.

"Let's pray this can give us some answers and bring our girl home," she added.

Police say that as part of the investigation residents of the beach settlement were visited and alerted to Muriwai's disappearance. Several different searches have also been conducted in the Te Horo area.

A phone belonging to Breanna Muriwai has been found on Te Horo Beach. Photo / Supplied

Muriwai's phone is currently being examined by the police's high-tech crime group to see if it can provide any answers about the circumstances of Muriwai's disappearance.

Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson said police were still keeping an open mind as to what has happened to Muriwai but were keen to hear from anyone with information.

"We are particularly interested to hear from people who were walking along the coastline, between Te Horo and Peka Peka, to be vigilant for property that may belong to Breanna," said Thompson.

"This also applies to any persons boating or fishing in this area. This includes any property that may have come from a handbag or clothing."

"Even if you locate an item and are not sure whether it may be relevant, we still want to hear from you.

Muriwai was last seen on August 28 on Te Horo beach. Photo / Supplied

"Breanna's family are desperate for answers as to where she is and what has happened. It is completely out of character for her not to be in touch with family and friends.

"We are working hard to find those answers for them, but we know there are people in our community who will have information which will be important to our investigation. We ask them to come forward."

Police are still treating this as a missing persons investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 105, quoting file number 220829/5320.

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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