Missing for 43 years: The baffling disappearance of Michael Dudley Michael Dudley went missing on April 3, 1978. (Photo / NZ Police) Missing for 43 years: The baffling disappearance of Michael Dudley Sat, 1 May 2021, 1:38PM Dozens of New Zealand people go missing every year. Some are found within hours, while others are never seen again. Daisy Hudson reports on one of Dunedin's most enduring mysteries: the disappearance of Michael Dudley. Michael Dudley was in good spirits. He'd finished work for the day, and was enjoying a few beers with his colleagues. The 20-year-old TV repairman and new father was chatty, cheerful. He even bought a round, which came as somewhat of a surprise to his mates.