Police just want to confirm that LA Tukerangi is safe

Police are continuing to try to locate 15-year-old LA Tukerangi who is believed to be with 36-year old Dean Wayne Whakatau.

Both police enquiries and social media commentary have indicated that they have been together for around two weeks after leaving a property in Auckland. Police want to hear from anyone who has seen them together during that time, who hasn't yet been formally spoken to by the investigation team.

Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith: "At this point in time there is just one focus and that is to speak to LA and make sure that she is safe. Speculation on social media as to whether she is with Dean Whakatau willingly or not is unhelpful; we won't know the answer to that question until we speak to her directly. The fact remains that LA is only 15, her family desperately want her home and Police need to make sure she is safe and back with her family as soon as possible.

"We urge LA to make contact with us or with her family. If she is with Dean Whakatau we also urge him to drop her outside a police station or in a public place where we can collect her, or have someone else drop her off for him."

Police believe that the pair were in Rotorua CBD area on Sunday morning (2 August). It is understood they have also spent time in the Taupo area in the last couple of weeks.

If anyone sees them they are asked to contact Police immediately via the 111 system. Public are asked not to try and approach them as this may cause them to flee.

Anyone with any general information that doesn't require an immediate response is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 348 0099. Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.