A parent's worst fear, a race against time, and a safe reunion

A young boy with autism was safely reunited with his family after Police launched an urgent air and ground search when he went missing from his Glendene home on Friday.

Police were called just before 12.30pm after the boy's mother reported that her son had disappeared from their property, prompting an immediate search involving officers on the ground and the Police Eagle helicopter.

According to acting Inspector Nick Salter of Waitematā West Police, a neighbour had seen the child walking towards an area of bush leading to a nearby estuary, raising concerns about his safety.

"A neighbour had seen the boy walking towards an area of bush which leads towards an estuary,” said acting Inspector Nick Salter, Waitematā West Police.

With high tide approaching, Police escalated the search, fearing the child could be at risk near the water.

“Time became critical, given high tide was coming in a few hours, so we had Eagle overhead searching the water.”

Within minutes, the Eagle helicopter located the boy at the water's edge, where he was playing near mangroves. Aircrew directed officers on the ground to his exact location.

“Staff made their way through the mangroves to the boy. He was wet and muddy but fortunately he was safe, and not in need of medical assistance.”

The child was safely reunited with his family, bringing a swift end to what Police described as every parent's nightmare.

Salter praised the coordinated response of the officers involved and acknowledged the relief felt by the family following the successful rescue.

“Anyone who has kids will know how terrifying this would have been, and we are fortunate that this could be safely resolved so quickly,” says Nick.

"It’s a great result by all our staff that responded on Friday.”