Authorities in New Zealand are appealing to the public for information that could help locate Sam Newton-Jones, a 33-year-old father of two who has been reported missing from West Auckland.
The search follows the discovery of his vehicle at the Mercer Bay Loop car park near Piha, raising concerns among his family and prompting police to ask residents and visitors to share any information that might assist the investigation.
According to a public notice issued by New Zealand Police on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Newton-Jones was last seen at his workplace in Henderson on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 20.
His current whereabouts remain unknown, and police are seeking information from anyone who may have seen him in the Henderson, Piha, or Mercer Bay Loop areas.
Sam Newton-Jones Was Last Seen in Henderson
Police say Newton-Jones was last seen at his workplace in Henderson on Tuesday afternoon. His vehicle was subsequently located at the Mercer Bay Loop car park near Piha, a coastal area west of Auckland.
Investigators are particularly interested in hearing from people who may have seen him walking along the track or in the surrounding Piha area on Tuesday afternoon or evening.
Police also confirmed that Newton-Jones visited Mercer Bay Loop on the morning of Monday, October 19. Anyone who remembers seeing him in the area that day is being encouraged to contact authorities.
The circumstances surrounding his disappearance have not been established publicly. Police have not confirmed what happened after he was last seen, and his vehicle’s discovery does not, by itself, establish his whereabouts.
Description of the Missing Auckland Man
New Zealand Police have released identifying details to help members of the public recognise Newton-Jones.
He is approximately 185 centimetres tall and wears glasses. When he was last known to have been seen, he was wearing a white shirt, black pants, and black sneakers.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have encountered someone matching this description in Henderson, Piha, or around Mercer Bay Loop during the relevant period to come forward.
Even information that might initially appear insignificant could assist investigators in establishing his movements before he disappeared.
Family Shares Concerns About His Disappearance
Information shared by Newton-Jones’s loved ones describes him as a much-loved son, husband, and father of two. His family says he is warm, empathetic, and generous, and that he plays an important role in the lives of those close to him.
They have expressed deep concern about his disappearance and described it as highly out of character.
Born in Dunedin, Newton-Jones initially trained and worked as an engineer before retraining as a psychologist in his mid-20s. According to the family statement released through police, he is in the final stages of completing his PhD.
His professional interests include helping children and young adults navigate adversity.
His family also shared that, although he has experienced mental health challenges, he had recently described himself as feeling optimistic about the year ahead.
These personal details have been shared to help the public understand the circumstances and the family’s concern. They do not establish why he went missing, and no conclusion about the cause of his disappearance has been confirmed.
Police Ask Piha Residents and Visitors to Come Forward
Investigators are particularly interested in information from people who were near Mercer Bay Loop on October 19 or October 20.
Residents, walkers, motorists, and other visitors who were in the area are encouraged to consider whether they saw Newton-Jones or noticed anything that could help establish his movements.
Police have asked anyone with information about his whereabouts to call 105 and quote reference number 261020/5431.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111, using the same reference number.
Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact police promptly rather than relying on online discussions to circulate possible sightings.
Search for Sam Newton-Jones Continues
As of the October 21 police appeal, Newton-Jones had not been located, and authorities were seeking the public’s assistance.
His family has asked people to share any genuine sightings or observations that could help bring him home. They have also requested privacy during a difficult period.
The discovery of his vehicle near Piha is an important part of the known timeline, but the circumstances of his disappearance remain unclear. Further verified information from police may provide additional details as inquiries continue.
Anyone who believes they have seen Sam Newton-Jones or has information that could assist the search should contact New Zealand Police using the details provided above.
Key Facts About Sam Newton-Jones
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sam Newton-Jones |
| Age | 33 |
| Location | West Auckland, New Zealand |
| Last known sighting | Workplace in Henderson on October 20, 2026 |
| Vehicle location | Mercer Bay Loop car park near Piha |
| Previous visit to the area | Morning of October 19, 2026 |
| Height | Approximately 185 cm |
| Distinguishing feature | Wears glasses |
| Last known clothing | White shirt, black pants, black sneakers |
| Family | Husband and father of two |
| Occupation and studies | Retrained as a psychologist; completing a PhD |
| Police reference | 261020/5431 |
| Information hotline | 105 |
| Anonymous tip line | 0800 555 111 |
| Status | Reported missing as of October 21, 2026 |
Disclaimer: This article is based on information released by New Zealand Police and details shared by the missing man’s family. His whereabouts and the circumstances of his disappearance had not been confirmed in the police appeal available at the time of writing. Readers should rely on official police updates for further information.