Tasman Police and Search and Rescue teams are searching for a 2-year-old girl in Brooklyn, Motueka who has been missing since 4pm today.
Police were called shortly after 6pm this evening and a major search is now underway in nearby bush.
She is believed to be with the family puppy, a 4-month old Bulldog-Staffy cross, who is also missing from the Little Sydney Road address.
The property is in a rural area, surrounded by extensive bush.
The young girl is wearing a bright pink-coloured sweatshirt with an image of an owl on the front of it and grey tights.
She is also wearing silver-coloured glittery gumboots.
Approximately 20 staff are searching the area, including off duty police, Search and Rescue staff and neighbours.
A Police dog unit is in the area too and neighbours are being asked to search their properties.
A helicopter is on standby but due to poor weather conditions, has been unable to assist the search so far.
Police are asking anyone in the Little Sydney Road area to thoroughly check their homes and outdoor areas for the young girl or the puppy.
Any sightings should be reported to Police immediately on 111.
ENDS
Police Media Centre