Hunt stepped up for mother missing for five days

Forensic experts from Auckland have been called in to help with the search for a Kerikeri mother missing for five days.

Cristel Hillegonde De Vetten, aged 30, was last seen at her home on Matua Block, Redcliffs Rd north of Kerikeri on Friday at 10am.

The former childcare worker had been living on the Maori land block since late last year with her partner and her four- year-old son.

The child is now being cared for by family members.

Northland police Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Pannett said 18 officers were now involved in the investigation.

"We have the assistance of forensic staff at ESR (Environmental and Scientific Research) in Auckland and other specialist staff."

Police searched the Matua Block area by helicopter on Monday and officers conducted further land searches yesterday, scouring the property for any trace of the missing woman.

"We are also looking at the property in which Cristel was living," Mr Pannett said.

Police were continuing to speak to Ms De Vetten's friends, family and associates to establish "what has gone on in Cristel's life in the past couple of months", he said.

She is of Dutch origin but who has lived in New Zealand since a young age.

"Clearly the circumstances of her disappearance are of concern to us and her family and friends. At this stage what we are trying to do is get a full picture of everyone who has spoken to her and seen her recently," Mr Pannett said.

He said the house where she had been living was near several other dwellings. It lies on a ridge, surrounded by scrub and trees, a couple of hundred metres from the sea. Police were alerted Ms De Vetten was missing on Friday and announced their search on Monday.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)