Te Awatea Lemon: Still missing

Te Awatea Lemon

Police are still trying to track down a girl who was snatched from her Taupo school by her father nearly two weeks ago.

Te Awatea Lemon, 5, was taken from Wairakei Primary School on November 6, by her father Samuel Samson. He is not her legal guardian and does not have custody of her.

Mr Samson remained on the run and police appealed to family and friends to help locate him and his daughter.

Taupo police believed they might be in the Massey area of Auckland where Mr Samson had close links.

A police spokeswoman said today there had been no new updates in the case.

Some family members had set up a Facebook page appealing for help to find Te Awatea. The page has more than 2000 supporters.

In a message to the little girl on the page, her legal custodian wrote that their heart was breaking.

"I cant believe you've been taken like this and that you have to go through this very confusing time at such a young age, and experience this unnecessary event, they dont realize just how much this ordeal is going to effect you in sooo many ways!"

The page had received notes of support from members of the public.

Anyone who knew where Mr Samson and Te Awatea were should call Taupo police on (07) 378 6060. Information could also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.