Elderly Woman Missing From Helensville

Police are appealing to the public for any sightings or knowledge of the whereabouts of an elderly Helensville woman who is reported missing from her residence at the Parakai Rest Home.

ALDER / Jeanette / Mary who is also known as Jeannette Gay is aged 80 years. She is a Caucasian female of heavy build with short grey hair.

Jeanette ALDER was last seen wearing a maroon coloured jersey, with white shirt underneath. Dark Trousers and dark coloured shoes.

Jeanette ALDER suffers from Dementia and as such could become vulnerable because of her state of health. She sometimes requires a walking stick for mobility.

Police say the last confirmed sighting of Jeanette ALDER was on Saturday 15 May 2010 at 10.00am by a caregiver at the Rest Home.

A further possible sighting is when a female fitting the missing woman's desciption took a bus that departed Parakai on schedule at 10.47am.

The bus driver has confirmed this bus arrived in the Auckland CBD at 12.20pm. The driver has told police that a woman of similar description has got off the bus at the stop outside the Downtown shopping complex in Albert Street at this time.

There has been no further reported sightings of her since.

Security surveillance footage in the Downtown area is being accessed so that further information about the missing woman's movements can be firmly established.

Eight members of the Police Search and Rescue Squad have been mobilised and an extensive search of the grounds at Parakai Rest Home, arterial and side roads, the area surrounding the Helensville Bridge and the riverside walkway has been completed today. Eagle has completed an aerial canvas along the Kaipara River.

A team of investigators from Rodney CIB are coordinating the ongoing enquiries by police throughout New Zealand. These include accommodation and medical venues in the Auckland CBD.

Jeanette ALDAR grew up in suburban St Helliers. She may be in this locality.

Anyone who has any knowledge of the whereabouts of Jeanette ALDER is urged to call Helensville Police on 09 420 8967 or Orewa Police on 09 426 4555 immediately.