Fire at property connected to Breanna Muriwai disappearance deliberately lit - police

A fire at a Manuwatū property that is connected to the search for missing woman Breanna Muriwai was deliberately lit, police have confirmed.

Muriwai was last seen in August 2022 at Te Horo Beach on the Kāpiti Coast.

Searches were carried out to locate her, and her movements on the night she disappeared were examined by police.

The fire at the property, which had been vacant for a number of weeks, occurred shortly before 6pm that day.

A scene examination has now been completed, confirming the fire was deliberately lit, along with item discovery from the property which is believed to be a "crude incendiary device".

A police spokesperson said relevant CCTV footage has been obtained and is being reviewed to see if it offers any lines of inquiry.

Earlier this month, Muriwai's family spoke out about a planned farewell for her.

Mother Jasmin Gray posted a live video update on Facebook, saying she wants to organise a large convoy of vehicles to drive to Te Horo Beach in October, or later on in summer.

"I want to make sure when Breanna's final hoorah comes up that I've been raising a bit of money to have a special memorial day for Breanna so my kids get to have closure.

"It's going to be a beautiful day, a beautiful kind of send off for Breanna. This is not just for Breanna ... this is for all the missing ... all the vulnerable," she said.