A toddler who was found safe after going missing from her West Auckland home was found wandering a street by a member of the public and taken back to their home, police say.
Two-year-old Willow was reported missing on Sunday afternoon from her home on Zodiac Street in Henderson.
She had been last seen around 2pm playing with a sibling and another child outside.
A large search for Willow began, involving hundreds of local residents. Hours later after nightfall, the news came in that the toddler had been found safe and well.
On Monday, police said a member of the public had found Willow walking along nearby Universal Drive and waited with them.
The person then took Willow back to their house and initiated a search through social media to locate her parents.
"Other members of the public have seen the post and made the connection and in turn contacted police."
Willow was reunited with her family around 7.30pm, police said.
Willow's cousin Aroha Tecklenberg earlier said she was grateful for the community's support and said the family was absorbing Willow's laughs, words and having her running around at home again.
"We know nearly everyone on this street here, and they're all lovely people. They've come over. They've brought us food. They know Willow and we've walked Willow around here so many times," she said.
"She's so nosey. She's in her terrible two moments. She loves playing just continuously. She absolutely loves and adores her brother. She loves the playground. She loves kids. She's just outgoing. Everything for a little two-year-old. She's pretty amazing."
Police said inquiries into the situation continue.
"Police would like to sincerely thank the West Auckland community for their help as well as the volunteers and agencies who assisted with the search and provided support to those involved.
