Missing woman's partner makes emotional plea

Vanessa Anne Pickering's daughter was found last night, but she remains missing. Photo / Supplied

The partner of a missing Canterbury woman has made a plea for her return but police continue to hold grave fears for her.

In a statement read by police today, Vanessa's Pickering's partner, Kaade, said "I would like to ask Vanessa to please get in contact and let us know you are okay. Everyone involved is very worried about you.

"Our little girl has said several times that she just wants her mum back, as do we all.

"Please know we all love you very much and we wish for your safe return."

With that statement in mind, Detective Senior Sergeant Virginia Le Bas was asked what likelihood there was that Ms Pickering was simply taking time out.

Ms Le Bas said that was considered unlikely.

"But you always have that hope that she will be safe and hope she'll be safe and well and she will return."

Ms Le Bas said Ms Pickering's family were very emotional and had a lot to deal with.

"They never thought this would happen to them."

Ms Le Bas said Ms Pickering was a working mother who was just trying to do the best for her daughter and "lived with dreams like most people".

Police searches are continuing around the coastal area of Banks Peninsula however nothing linked to Ms Pickering has yet been found.

The search will continue tomorrow.

"We are not just going to walk away from this and not find Vanessa."