Toni Tiki: $1m reward offered in South Maroubra murder almost 30 years after her death

It’s been almost 30 years, but police are still hunting a person who brutally murdered a mother after she left a party in Sydney’s east, with investigators putting forward a $1m reward.

The NSW Government has announced a $1 million reward for information into the murder of Toni Tiki. Picture: NSW Police

Police have offered a $1 million reward for information that helps them crack the cold case of a murdered mother, almost 30 years since her death.

On January 1, 1996, Toni Tiki left a New Year’s Eve party at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club shortly before 1.30am. 

Ms Tiki, then 26, had left the party with a male friend who had agreed to walk her home, but he decided to return to the party and they parted ways. 

Friends of Toni sounded the alarm to police a day later after she wasn’t located. 

The case remains unsolved. Picture: NSW Police

She was a mother of three. Picture: NSW Police

Her body was discovered in scrubland near the surf club on January 5, 1996.

A post-mortem indicated Toni had died as a result of severe injuries.

A massive award has been offered for information. Picture: NSW Police

Detectives attached to State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation; however, the case remains unsolved.

As inquiries under Strike Force Ionian 2 continue, a $1 million reward will be announced for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Toni’s murder.

Ms Tiki's family will speak to the media today. Picture: NSW Police

The murder happened nearly 30 years ago. Picture: NSW Police

“This announcement reinforces that even after nearly 30 years, NSW Police Force investigators remain committed to finding justice for Toni,” Police Minister Yasmin Catley said.

“The message is: if you have any information, regardless of how small or insignificant you might think it is – please come forward.”

A postmortem indicated Toni died as a result of severe injuries. Picture: NSW Police

She was last seen leaving a New Year’s Eve party at the South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club. Picture: NSW Police

Homicide Squad Commander Danny Doherty said someone will know more about what happened to Toni.

“We’re hoping today’s $1 million reward will encourage anyone who may be still sitting on information about Toni’s death to come forward and talk to police,” Det Supt Doherty said.

“Toni was a mother and a loved member of her family who didn’t deserve what happened to her, but her family does deserve answers.”

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