Police are looking for a 15-year-old girl who walked away from her foster mother with her 5-week-old baby boy, carrying only four nappies in a bag for him.
Maieva Roimata Tuoro, known as Roimata, and her son were last seen on Edinburgh St, Pukekohe, about 11.45am on Wednesday.
Their caregiverwas taking them to the doctor when the teenager walked off with the baby.
Detective Constable Gordon Narbey of Counties Manukau police said the pair were last seen with an old Maori woman. He said police were appealing for the woman to come forward.
Roimata did not have a car, and Mr Narbey said police were looking into whether she had any money.
They believe the baby was not in a stroller and his mother was carrying a bag with only four nappies inside.
The baby had breathing difficulties and police had concerns for his well-being, Mr Narbey said.
Police had spoken to Roimata's family in Otara and associates in the area but they had not heard from her.
Her cellphone was switching straight to answer-phone and police would check records to see when she last used it.
Child, Youth and Family northern regional director Marion Heeney said: "This young woman and her baby were in Child, Youth and Family custody and living in one of our family homes when they absconded last week.
"We are worried about the baby's health, and are urging this young mum or anyone else who knows where they are to contact either us or the police as soon as possible so we can all be assured this baby is safe and well."
Roimata, a Maori with black hair and brown eyes, was wearing a grey, long-sleeved top, black jeans and pink sheepskin boots.
The baby was dressed in a red, velvet jacket, red and grey striped pants, a white beanie and wrapped in a grey and green blanket.
* Anyone with information should phone Mr Narbey on (09) 295 0202.
