Police are searching for a woman with special needs who has gone missing in the Mt Thomas Forest Conservation area in Waimakariri in Canterbury.
Monique Hickland, 31, left her family near the Wooded Gully picnic area at 4:30pm today.
She was wearing a black jacket, red jersey, navy blue pants and canvas sneakers.
Police said Hickland has the understanding of a 12-13 year old.
There are currently five search teams in the area - LandSAR volunteers and Police - and two dog teams.
