Woman on the run posing as a man

In a photo posted by Counties Manukau police this afternoon, Dayna Paparoa has considerably shorter hair than a previous police mugshot. Photos / Supplied

A woman who taunted police on Facebook as they searched for her appears to be posing as a man to escape detection.

In a photo posted by Counties Manukau police this afternoon, Dayna Paparoa has considerably shorter hair than a previous police mugshot.

Police said the 19-year-old is now using the name Samuel Paruru to avoid detection.

They asked the public to help them find Paparoa, who is subject to warrants to arrest for breaching her home detention conditions.

Anyone with information should call Sergeant John Nicol on (09) 261 1300 or Crimestoppers, which can be done anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

On March 10, Police wrote on Facebook that they were looking for Paparoa.

But it was unlikely they expected what happened next - a comment from Paparoa, stating: 'You not doing your jobs properly my bros hahahah'.

Police replied, writing: 'Hi Dayna Paparoa, if you want to make it easier for us, why don't you pop into a Police Station and we can sort out your breach. Thanks'.

But the wanted woman had other ideas, writing a post that implied she was going to smoke cannabis first.

Hundred of comments were left on the post, many of which Paparoa replied to.

She also posted a photo of herself on social media, with her face covered, posing on the hood of a police car with the caption "js a lazy lil selfie".

The teenager said she had been buying a drink in the area and "just thort I'd take a pic".

A few friends commented telling Paparoa to "stay safe", with one calling her a "naughty bish" for taking the photo.

The incident was not the first time a person wanted by police has taunted them on social media.

In 2014, Samuel Evan Lake responded to a similar police post and photograph of himself, writing: "I need to get a new mugshot."

Police wrote back: "Come see us and will arrange at no cost."

Lake was later arrested and eventually sentenced to six months in jail.