Missing teen Whetu Bennett found safe and well after vanishing from Auckland mall six days ago

A 17-year-old who vanished six days ago from a West Auckland mall has been found safe and well.

Whetu Bennett was last seen at LynnMall in New Lynn last Tuesday.

Police and her desperate family were concerned for her safety, with relatives saying her disappearance was out of character.

But in a statement today police said: “The 17-year-old previously reported missing from the New Lynn area has been located safe and well.”

The Herald has sought comment from Bennett’s family.

Police were previously combing through footage at West Auckland’s LynnMall, the last place the teen was seen.

Whetu Bennett has been found after going missing.

The girl’s sister said she recently moved to Auckland from the Waikato.

Bennett’s aunt earlier told the Herald the girl’s partner had taken her to the mall and then “something happened”.

“Maybe they got into an argument and he left her there and took off home, and she has not been heard from or seen since.”

Bennett’s aunt said her niece didn’t have a phone, “so she had no way of contacting anyone”.

Whetu Bennett was captured on CCYTV at LynnMall. Photo / Supplied

A police spokesperson said earlier they were following several lines of inquiry.

“At this point, there are a number of enquiries being made, including reviewing CCTV footage.”

Her aunt said over the weekend that Whetu’s partner contacted their mother, who is based in Morrinsville, on Thursday to tell her he hadn’t heard from her since Tuesday.

The aunt said she understood the pair may have had a disagreement and the boyfriend returned home, leaving Whetu at the mall.

Meanwhile, police are also searching for another 17-year-old girl who has been reported missing by her family.

Myah, who has the mental ability of a 12-year-old, was reported missing on Friday after leaving her Red Beach home address, police said last night.

“It’s believed she was seen in Albany on Friday, after leaving Red Beach, however her whereabouts from there are unknown,” police said.

Auckland teen Myah, 17, was last seen in Albany on Friday. Photo / NZ Police

“Police and Myah’s family have concerns for her welfare and would like to find her as soon as possible.”

Police believe it is likely she is still in the North Shore area.

Anyone who has seen Myah or has any contact information should contact police on 105 and reference file number: 250627/9755.