Search resumes for missing mother and daughter

A search resumed this morning for a woman and her 11-year-old daughter who have gone missing on a drive between Tauranga and Hamilton.

The woman, a New Zealander living in Australia, left Tauranga at 4.30pm yesterday intending to arrive at her sister's home at Whatawhata, near Hamilton, before dark.

The pair were due to fly back to Australia from Auckland today. Police said they may escalate the search if they miss their flight.

Inspector Barry Smalley, of police northern communications, said the woman drove from Gisborne to Tauranga yesterday, stopping at a friend's house there for about 45 minutes.

She asked the friend whether it was still likely to be light by the time she reached Hamilton but has not been heard from since.

"We are assuming the worst but hoping for the best," Mr Smalley said.

The woman was driving a white Toyota Corolla rental car registration CZW825 and is believed to have taken State Highway 29, over the Kaimai Ranges.

Police are not sure which route she would have taken after the Kaimais and are hoping someone may have spotted them on the road, at a rest area, or in a shop.

They have no description for the pair, but Mr Smalley said the girl had her arm in plaster.

A police car drove over the Kaimais in fading light last night but found no signs of the car.

A more detailed road search was launched at first light today and a helicopter may be used to fly over the route.

- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB