Search for elderly woman

Police are appealing for information about an 80-year-old Helensville woman missing from a rest home since Saturday.

Jeanette Mary Alder, also known as Jeannette Gay, was last seen at the Parakai Rest Home wearing a maroon coloured jersey, with a white shirt underneath, dark trousers and dark coloured shoes.

She is caucasian, of heavy build with short grey hair.

Police say she suffers from dementia and could become vulnerable because of her state of health. She sometimes needs a walking stick.

The last confirmed sighting of her was on Saturday at 10am by a caregiver at the rest home.

A woman fitting her description was seen taking a bus which left Parakai at 10.47am.

The bus driver has confirmed this bus arrived in the Auckland CBD at 12.20pm.

The driver told police that a woman of similar description got off the bus at the stop outside the downtown shopping complex in Albert Street.

There had been no further reported sightings of her.

Security surveillance footage in the downtown area is being accessed to get more information about her movements.

Eight members of the police search and rescue squad were mobilised and an extensive search of the grounds at Parakai Rest Home, nearby roads, the area surrounding the Helensville Bridge and the riverside walkway was completed today.

The Eagle helicopter also searched along the Kaipara River.

A team of investigators from Rodney CIB were coordinating the ongoing enquiries by police throughout New Zealand. These included accommodation and medical venues in the Auckland CBD.

Ms Alder grew up in suburban St Heliers, and police believe she may be in this area.

Anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts should contact police.

- NZPA