The mother of a West Auckland toddler who went missing says reuniting with her daughter was an emotional time.
Two year-old Willow went missing from her Zodiac Street home in Henderson yesterday afternoon, prompting hundreds of locals and police to spend the evening searching for her.
Waimirirangi Rudolph said her family was told by police last night that Willow had been found in nearby Rānui, in the care of another family.
Rudolph said she was happy and relieved to have her daughter back.
"I was so happy and my heart was full and I was just crying," she said.
"She was happy as when I saw her, she was very happy. I'm just glad to have her home."
Rudolph said Willow had wandered onto the street after gates were accidentally left open, and that the family who picked her up initially did not know about the search.
Willow had been last seen around 2pm playing with a sibling and another child outside.
On Monday, police said a member of the public had found Willow walking along nearby Universal Drive and waited with her.
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 told RNZ 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."
RNZ
