Taupo police have officially released the name and photo of a missing 5-year-old to help track her down.
Te Awatea Lemon was taken from Wairakei Primary School last Wednesday by her father Samuel Samson. He is not her legal guardian and does not have custody of her.
Taupo police believe they may be in the Massey area of Auckland as Samson has close links there and they have appealed for the man to hand himself in to try to resolve the issue.
Family has set up a Facebook page and received messages of support.
"We have no immediate concerns for the safety of the girl but the sooner we can speak with Samuel the sooner this matter can be resolved," Detective Sergeant Tony Manunui said earlier this week.