New information in Ira Shephard investigation

Police are asking for more witnesses to come forward after receiving new information about the death of Ira Shephard.

The Tauranga man was found dead in Tauranga Harbour on Saturday, December 8.

Police have been working since then to establish his movements and ascertain his state of mind.

Previously the last confirmed sighting of Mr Shephard was at 10am on the morning of December 1.

Police say they have received new information from a member of the public who reported seeing Mr Shephard at approximately 4pm later that day.

The witness said she was walking along the Mount Maunganui track by Pilot Bay and describes Mr Shephard as being by himself and carrying a box of beer.

His body was found a week later in Tauranga Harbour.

The Mount track was busy at that time and police would like to speak to anyone who may recall seeing Ira, who is described as a 5'8" male European, medium build with short blonde hair. 

He was wearing a dark t-shirt and dark jeans.  He may have been sitting somewhere along the track drinking with others or by himself.

Detective Sergeant Iain Chapman said the woman who gave the new information was worried she would be wasting police time.

"It just goes to show that seemingly irrelevant information may in fact be key to an investigation so we encourage every one to let us be the judge. We would rather receive irrelevant information than miss something vital."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Iain Chapman on 07 577 4374.