American aviation student vanishes in New Zealand; Mother joins search as investigators urge public’s help

Twenty-four-year-old William Henry “Will” Johnson, an American studying aviation at Massey University, has been missing in New Zealand for at least nine days, leaving family and friends deeply concerned.

Johnson was last seen between May 30 and June 1 in the Takaro area of Palmerston North, where he lived in a shared flat. His family received a single text on June 5, but since then, there’s been no response to calls or messages. That silence, they say, is completely unlike him.

“William’s disappearance is completely out of character. This is a young man who maintained regular contact with his family,” said private investigator Mike Gillam, leading the probe via his agency, The Investigators New Zealand.


Gillam, alongside former police officers, is conducting searches not only around Palmerston North but also in Auckland—a city Johnson was known to visit spontaneously. His 2013 silver Mazda 6 (registration MJK496) is also missing and considered a critical lead.

Johnson’s mother has flown in from the US, joining authorities on the ground. Gillam notes that Johnson was generally reliable and communicative, a trait that makes his abrupt silence all the more alarming.

Police have assigned the case number P062813346, and although their public updates are minimal, Gillam confirms they are working in coordination.

Friends describe Johnson as punctual, thoughtful, and socially engaged. One flatmate remarked, “He’d always tell us where he was going, even if it was just to get coffee.”

Residents and commuters in Takaro and along common routes to Auckland are urged to stay alert. Anyone spotting Johnson or his Mazda 6 should contact the New Zealand Police with the reference number above or reach out to Gillam directly at 027 299 7603.