Police say they are making inquiries into the disappearance of a 13-year-old Hastings girl who has been missing from her home since Sunday.
Shakahn Te Rangi was last seen in the Hastings suburb of Akina on Sunday about 5pm. Her disappearance is out of character and there are concerns for her safety.
Eastern District Commander Superintendent Sam Hoyle said comments made in earlier media reports on the girl's disappearance by a Hastings senior sergeant were not correct. Mr Hoyle said police were concerned for Shakahn's safety and had launched a missing persons inquiry the day she was reported missing.
"The earlier comments attributed to the senior sergeant were inappropriate and may have given the impression that police are not taking this incident seriously. This is not the case.
"I can assure people that we are doing all we can to find the girl and working with her family to find out where she might be," Mr Hoyle said.
Police have discovered that Shakahn and another girl she is with had sent a text to a friend yesterday saying they were "running away" and on their way to Rotorua. Police are currently trying to contact both girls to confirm where they are.
There had also been a posting on Facebook saying the girls had been seen in Waipawa on Sunday evening.
Mr Hoyle said police were keen to hear of any information about the girls.
"We need to know of any sightings of the two girls or someone may have some information that could lead us to them. Shakahn's family is obviously distraught and very worried about her and we are working closely with them," he said.
Anyone with information about Shakahn should contact Hastings police on 06 8730500.
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Media inquiries to Eastern District Communications Manager Kris McGehan on 027 2223638.