The unexplained disappearance of Bret Hill has plunged his family and the Upper Hutt community into a race against time. Bret, a 50-year-old father, was last seen at 5:30 pm on Sunday walking along Hillside Drive in Māoribank—but what should have been a typical evening stroll has taken a chilling turn.

His son, Trenton Hill, has been tirelessly searching for his father for four days, unable to shake the feeling that something is terribly wrong. “It just doesn’t make sense,” Trenton said, as he described his father’s sudden and unusual vanishing. Despite extensive efforts and reported sightings across Lower Hutt and Porirua, every lead has frustratingly come to a dead end.

CCTV footage last captured Bret walking along Fergusson Drive, heading toward the dense woods near Tōtara Park. But beyond this sighting, he seems to have disappeared without a trace. His car and nearly all of his belongings were left at home—a troubling detail that raises more questions than answers. Bret took only his phone, vape, and a few cigarettes, leaving behind a full pack—something his son insists is out of character.

Bret’s family is haunted by the idea that his long-buried mental health struggles could be surfacing again. But there had been no recent signs of distress. Bret had landed a new job and was seemingly thriving, making his sudden disappearance all the more perplexing.

As the days pass, police are urging residents to check their properties and CCTV for any unusual activity. Could he be sheltering nearby, or did something far more sinister unfold that night? The search areas—Fergusson Drive, Silverstream, Trentham, Harcourt Park—are all being combed for any sign, any clue that could unravel the mystery.

Bret Hill is described as 195 cm tall, with a solid build, black hair, and a short white beard. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black shorts, jandals, and a cap. His family is holding on to hope, but the clock is ticking.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police immediately as the search for answers intensifies​.