Grave fears are held for the safety of a Christchurch woman, thought to be in the company of a man wanted for a sexual assault.
Detective Senior Sergeant Virginia Le Bas said Vanessa Anne Pickering, mother of a seven-year-old girl, had not been seen since leaving her home in New Brighton on Monday evening.
She was thought to be with Malcolm Chaston, also known as Maniapoto Walker.
Police have a warrant for Chaston's arrest, relating to a sexual assault on Monday, Ms Le Bas said.
"Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Pickering and/or Chaston should contact police immediately." Vanessa Pickering is 27, has blonde hair, and was wearing trousers and a brown jersey.
Her daughter was being cared for by her family.
Chaston could be travelling in a blue/green Toyota Estima, registration EFA 478, police said.
