A rest home is investigating how an elderly woman was able to leave its premises without anyone noticing.
The Leigh Road Cottage rest home is just up the hill from the beach. Photo: Google Maps
Maree Wilkins, 84, has been missing for a week.
Leigh Road Cottage rest home in Whangateau, just south of Leigh, reported her missing at 8.20am on 8 November, though she was last seen at 5.30pm the previous day.
A spokesperson for the DHB said the rest home immediately notified the police.
The rest home declined to comment, but it is investigating the incident and the local health board has requested its findings.
A search and rescue operation for Mrs Wilkins was scaled back yesterday, but a police helicopter is continuing to search the coastline.