Birkdale woman still missing after three weeks

Birkdale mother Melanie Watson.

Concern is growing over the whereabouts of an Auckland woman who has not been in contact with her family or friends for more than three weeks.

North Shore police said they were continuing to investigate the disappearance of Birkdale mother Melanie Watson, 34, who was last seen around midday on November 26 at an address in Beach Haven.

She was reported missing when she missed her father's birthday the following day, police said.

"The fact that Melanie is still not accounted for is concerning to police," Detective Inspector Kevin Hooper said.

He said it was "out of character" for Ms Watson to have been out of contact with her family for this long.

"Melanie hasn't been in touch with her children in the South Island," he said.

"Her sister is also here in Auckland on a planned trip from overseas and is due to fly home tomorrow, and there has been no contact from Melanie, which is also unusual."

Mr Hooper appealed to the public for any sightings of Ms Watson.

She was described as 1.71m tall with a thin build, black hair and an olive complexion.

Ms Watson has distinctive glove-style tattoos on both wrists and hands, writing on the back of her neck, and a tribal ankle band on her right leg leading down to her foot, he said.

She suffers from the skin condition psoriasis and used a sunbed at a relative's home to relieve the symptoms.

Mr Hooper said her family had advised police that when she did not use the sunbed, her symptoms were quite severe and the psoriasis would be noticeable on her arms, hands, legs and feet.

Meanwhile, police are still looking for 48-year-old Leeann Ailini Scott, who has been missing from Northland since Friday afternoon.

Ms Scott was last seen at the Taipa shops and since then there have been reports of sightings in the Foxton area, which has led police to believe she may be hitchhiking.
Police described her as Maori, 1.76m tall and of solid build. She was last seen wearing an orange fluorescent top, black pants and Nike running shoes.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.