Heartfelt plea to find missing sister
The sister of a missing Rotorua woman made a heartfelt plea at a media conference marking two weeks since her
disappearance.
Michelle Hoffman-Tamm had spent most of the afternoon with Jan Donlan on Wednesday, 7 November helping her around the
house. Michelle then left her sister's house, briefly popped home and then told her partner she was going up the road to
visit some friends. There have been no confirmed sightings of her since.
Jan describes Michelle as a very generous person. "She loves helping people; anything that anyone needs she's there."
Michelle is known as the local Neighbourhood Watch person and regularly takes care of people's gardens, mows their lawns
and helps with home maintenance.
It is completely out of character for Michelle to go missing and not make contact with her family and she was described
by Jan as being in a "very good head space' when she was last seen.
When asked what message she had for Michelle if she is safe and well somewhere Jan replied: "Wherever you are love,
please come home. We miss you, we love you and we can't cope much more."
Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith commended Michelle's family for their support of the police operation. "They have
been putting up flyers, speaking to family and friends, making their own enquiries and being very proactive in trying to
find Michelle."
There is currently an investigation team of 16 being supported by frontline staff and search and rescue personnel as and
when the need arises.
"Michelle is a kind-hearted woman who does a lot for her community and we are hoping that same community will
reciprocate her kindness by providing us information that will help is to find her," said Detective Senior Sergeant
Smith.
"We hold grave fears for Michelle and as such this is a priority investigation. No matter how irrelevant the information
may seem, pass it to us anyway and let us be the judge."
Michelle is described as a female European, approximately 5 foot tall, of medium build. She currently has short dark
hair. She left her Philip Street home on her red mountain bike which is also missing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 3499400. Alternatively information can be provided
anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
ENDS