A 21-year-old Auckland woman who went missing twice within a week has been found safe and well today, her father confirmed.
Aimee-Jane Smith was missing for five days this week.
"It's awesome," her father Finlay Smith told the Herald this morning.
"She was literally found walking home early in the morning in Meadowbank area.
"We are absolutely delighted to have her with us, she is doing well and is being checked at the hospital. She is with her family.
"We want to thank everyone for caring for another human being, it is amazing to live in a community where people look out for each other."
Police had earlier released fresh images of the missing woman showing her in the Meadowbank area on the day she disappeared.
She could be seen wearing white shoes, a light blue or grey coloured jumper and dark coloured shorts.
Police asked for public's assistance to locate Smith who was last seen in St Heliers.
Smith's family were extremely worried for her wellbeing after she went missing for the second time.
Aimee-Jane Smith was first reported missing from St Luke's Mall car park on September 28 at 4.30pm.
Smith's car, containing her handbag and phone, was left in the mall car park.
She was located by Police and the next day, Friday, September 30, in the early hours of morning she went missing again from her home.
East Auckland Investigations Manager Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Brand said police acknowledged the efforts of multiple work groups that aided in the search of 21-year-old Aimee.
Family, friends and Police had serious concerns for her wellbeing, particularly as the weather worsened.
A large team was set up to locate her, which included the investigation team, police and Land Search and Rescue, Maritime NZ officers, family, friends and members of the public who assisted in the search, Brand said.
"After four days of searching, assessment and actioning of the multiple sightings and information provided by the public, she was found by a local sergeant in Meadowbank.
"She was taken to hospital for assessment, and reunited with her family."
Brand said the last week had been a prime example of the community coming together to help one of their own.
"From sharing the message of the missing woman, to calling in with information and even physically joining in the search, the members of the public have been a great asset.
"Police would like to thank everyone who contributed to the search, with special acknowledgement of the hard work put in by the teams on the ground."
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