"She knew about stranger danger and went straight to her father's workplace and told him and he phoned the police."
This report was the first one police had received about a man attempting to abduct children in Papamoa.
"It's very concerning because we don't know what his motives are but this is the first we've heard of it and we're treating it very seriously," Mr Gillbanks said.
"At the moment it's a one-off," he said.
The man was described as being tanned skin with grey facial hair on his chin and short grey hair on his head.
He was driving a dark coloured sedan.
Mr Gillbanks said police were contacting local schools and notifying them of the incident.
He praised the young girl's actions and said she had done everything right to diffuse the situation.
"She's a very brave young lady and she's given us a pretty good description to work with. She's done everything right."
If anyone saw the incident or can offer any more information, please contact Papamoa police on 07 572 2440.