Napier newspaper offers reward

Press, 27 June 1987, Page 8

Napier newspaper offers reward

More than $lO,OOO has been offered as a reward for information leading to a conviction for any offence arising from the disappearance of Teresa Cormack.

The reward was opened yesterday with $5OOO from the “Daily Telegraph” newspaper in Napier. A Hastings businessman put up another $5OOO and other sums have already been pledged. The editor of the “Daily Telegraph,” Mr Ken Hawker, said he expected the total to increase “substantially” within a few days as other people offered money to boost the reward.

The newspaper had offered a similar reward when Kirsai Jensen, aged 14, disappeared in 1983. Within three days the total had grown to $32,000.

“Our experience has been that there are many people throughout New Zealand who want to do something to help,” said Mr Hawker.

Several people had telephoned the newspaper’s newsroom soon after Teresa Cormack went missing, asking if a reward would be offered and if they could contribute.

If the value of the reward increased quickly, the fund would be closed, said Mr Hawker. “We don’t want to run this thing like a lottery. If someone out there is holding out for money before coming forward with information, they might wait until we up the ante.

“We will close off the reward and. make it known the amount will not be increased.”

The reward had been approved by Teresa’s parents, Mr Ross Cormack and Mrs Kelly Cormack, and by the police district commander, Chief Superintendent Bruce Scott. Mr and Mrs Cormack had reservations about the reward at first, said Mr Hawker. They agreed because they were becoming desperate.

No reward would be paid if Teresa was found alive and there had been no criminal act to hide or detain her. The offer of the reward would end on August 31. Any cash in hand at that time would either be returned or put to a trust fund.

Money from the Kirsa Jensen appeal was used to help build a memorial chapel at her father’s church.