Police seek motorist over kidnapped child case

18-month-old Alyssa Barker who was allegedly abducted by Skye Mason. Photo / Dean Purcell

Police are seeking a motorist believed to have picked up alleged kidnapper Skye Mason and toddler Alyssa last Friday and taken them to an Auckland address.

Mason allegedly took Alyssa from a Makarau property north of Kaukapakapa last Friday afternoon before going to an address in Glen Eden, west Auckland about 8pm.

Detective Inspector Stan Brown said police wanted to speak to whoever drove Skye and Alyssa to the address.

Mason is in custody while her fitness to stand trial is assessed.

The 27-year-old has been charged with abducting a person under 16, assaulting police and failing to provide identification or particulars.

She appeared with a new lawyer in the Waitakere District Court on Tuesday afternoon, after her original counsel, Jo Wickliffe, said she "can't get instructions from her".

Mason, an acquaintance of Alyssa's parents Scott and Sam Barker, was taken in by them after they found out she was sleeping on the streets.

She allegedly abducted Alyssa on Friday, sparking a massive police search.

Police said a woman from Swanson who watched the television news on Saturday night recognised Mason and Alyssa as the two people staying with her.

Mr and Mrs Barker told reporters they took Mason in because they wanted to help her.

"I don't know her or her history but from what I picked up when she was at the house, she wasn't too well, not quite right, but not to the extent [she would do] this sort of thing," said Mr Barker.

Alyssa seemed unaware of her ordeal and was her usual bubbly self, he said.

Police are appealing for the driver or anyone knowing their identity to contact Detective Steve Norris of the Henderson CIB on 09 8390630.