"I will stand by Jamie until the end," says missing woman's cousin
Almost two years since Jamie Kaiwai first went missing, her family continue to fight for justice, and are calling on the wider community to help fund a private investigation.
The 27-year-old mother of one, who was living in Tolaga Bay at the time, has not been seen since October 2019.
Jamie was last seen on the beach, by the wharf, on the evening of Friday, October 11 last year. While her phone activity ceased at about 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 9, her vehicle was found at the wharf carpark, with the keys still in the ignition, at about 5am three days later.
An extensive search by emergency services took place, mainly centred around the sea and river, but any foul play was quickly ruled out. Although police have “no further lines of enquiry,” her family – who are adamant something more sinister has occurred – have taken it upon themselves to continue the search.
Jamie's cousin, Jonique Oli-Alainu'uese, wife of Hastings District Councillor Peleti Oli, says it's been "extremely difficult" since her disappearance but they haven’t, nor will they ever, give up or back down.
"I will stand by Jamie until the end, even if I stand by her alone. I don’t believe she committed suicide. I believe she was murdered."
Jonique says getting an investigator is all that is left.
"The reasons we’ve had to fight hard for her are obvious and I don’t like to burden myself with thoughts of should of or would of, we have to face the realities of what her case is as it is."
So far, $79,513 has been raised - about $20,000 shy of the $100,000 they need to come up with by the end of this month.
"I started a Givealittle to raise funds for a private investigation for Jamie because I don’t believe that the police investigation was sufficient and done well enough to conclude suicide. It’s clear that we don’t believe it was suicide."
"We believe it will make the world of a difference for Jamie and it’s what she needs."
Although fundraising has been slow, Jonique has hope they will reach the goal.
"People can help by donating and spreading the word, on social media and word of mouth. That would be a huge help." She is grateful to everyone who has donated.
Despite having not yet reached their fundraising goal, private investigators have already started working on the case.
They recently set up an 0800 phone line (0800 123 114) and an email — FindJamie@scope.co.nz — so that anyone with information on Jamie's disappearance can make contact confidentially.
Jonique says the private investigators "are amazing and have been working really hard".
They believe photos of the Tuia 250 event at the wharf that weekend, particularly those showing the carpark and crowd shots, hold a "vital key" to unlocking the mystery around her disappearance.
"I 100 per cent think that Tuia 250 photos would absolutely be helpful in the movement of Jamie's car and who was around during the days that her car was seen at the wharf and could hold a vital key," Jonique says.
"I genuinely believe that change will come for Jamie."
A police spokeswoman said the investigation into the disappearance of Jamie Kaiwai remains open and active, however, at this time it is not being treated as suspicious.
"Once the investigation has concluded, the matter will be referred to the Coroner."
The spokeswoman said they can't put a timeframe on when an investigation is likely to conclude.
"Police continue to liaise closely with family representatives and encourage anyone with information about the lead-up to Jamie's disappearance that may assist the investigation to call 105, quoting file number 191014/3116."
While police continue to contact her grandparents, they are no longer in contact with her and have not been for several months.
"That was a decision made by police who expressed their distaste in me and would prefer to keep in contact with my grandparents which is fine. As long as that communication line remains open."
"There’s nothing I wish to say to police, they know where I stand and they know I will not be swayed."
To donate to Jamie's Givealittle visit: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/justice-for-jamie-kaiwai-1?ref=explore&ref_code=trending
