Search for missing Wellington woman Mary Berrington enters fourth day

Police and rescue teams have searched properties near the home of missing Upper Hutt woman Mary Berrington.

The 62-year-old has not been seen or heard from since Tuesday night when a family member spoke to her at her home in Upper Hutt about 9pm.

More than 50 police officers and Land Search and Rescue volunteers conducted an intensive ground search surrounding the missing woman's home on Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt.

Concerned family members and a large group of community members joined the search.

Berrington, who is in her 60s, has bipolar disorder and police have grave concerns for her safety.

Sergeant Anthony Harmer said there had been many possible sightings of Berrington and those were being verified.

They knew Berrington had attended a church dinner on Tuesday night but was known to be at home at 9pm.

Today the Police Dive Squad searched the Hutt River from the Totara Park overbridge south for any sign of the missing woman or for indications that she may be in the river.

Sergeant Harmer said the search effort, which started on Wednesday, may soon be scaled back.

"We have spoken with Mary's family this afternoon and while the search will continue tomorrow we are coming to a point where we may need to scale back efforts as searches have been completed of all reasonably possible areas where Mary could be," he said.

"Police and Mary's family would like to thank everyone who has supported the search operation so far."

Berrington has mental impairment and may not be in a position to help herself, police said. She may also have stopped taking her medication.

Berrington went missing in 2008 but was found days later.

Police said she was believed to be wearing a dark polar fleece jacket and dark leggings.

• Anyone who has seen Mary is asked to call police on (04) 527 2300 or call 111 immediately.