This morning police said a 32 -year -old South Canterbury woman was accused of the murder.
Detective inspector Joel Syme said the woman appeared in the Timaru District Court yesterday after being arrested on Thursday.
She was arrested in custody to reappear at Christchurch’s Supreme Court on April 11.
Moana was reported missing on December 23, 2021, after being seen at her mother’s house in Waimate.
His mother died a few hours before his disappearance.
In 2022, police arrested and accused two other murder men regarding homicide investigation. A third man was accused of murder in July 2024.
Det Insp Syme said police had now established Mr. Moana was murdered at the time he disappeared.
“Four people are now facing accusations regarding Moana’s murder and our investigation team has not stopped following all the advantages available, no matter how long it is.
“Our work is not over; Moana’s body was not located and this remains the focus for us.
“His Whanāu deserves the right to put his loved one to rest.
“We keep insisting those who know where Mr. Moana’s body must inform us.”
Det Insp Syme said police thanked public members for information they had provided.
He asked anyone with more information to contact the police.
– 105, reference number 211223/0992, or cite Operation Moana, or anonymously through Stoppers crime at 0800 555 111.
– APL
