Missing girl search moves to Hamilton

Police are continuing their search for missing Hastings girl Shakahn Te Rangi, who has not been seen by her family since Sunday.

The search for 13-year-old Shakahn last night extended to Hamilton, after family members there said they had received a text saying she and a female friend were in the city. Police visited a number of houses but did not find the two girls.

Hastings Area Commander Inspector Dean Clifford said police had been in regular contact throughout last night with Shakahn's mother in Hastings and were urging people to come forward with information about the girl.

"It's important that we are told of any information about Shakahn and her friend so that she can be returned safely to her family. There has been a lot of information circulating on Facebook and other sites and we ask that people call us direct if they know anything about the girls or where they might be," Mr Clifford said.

The girls had apparently sent a text to another friend on Monday saying they were "running away" to Rotorua. There had also been a possible sighting of the two girls in Waipawa on Sunday evening.

Anyone with information about Shakahn and her friend should contact Hastings police on 06 8730500