Parents urged to talk safety after kidnapping

  • 15/02/2016
Shekinah Relies-Skipper did not know the man who pulled her into his car (Supplied)
Shekinah Relies-Skipper did not know the man who pulled her into his car (Supplied)

Police are still hunting a man wanted in connection with the kidnapping of five-year-old Shekinah Te Kira-Skipper near her school in Palmerston North on Friday.

Shekinah Relies-Skipper, 5, was walking to school on Shamrock St with her sisters when a man pulled her into his car and drove off around 8:30am.

A major area search including a helicopter was underway to find her.

Shekinah was found around 11am by 91-year-old man on Hind St, in an area she wasn't familiar with.

Manawatu area commander Inspector Sarah Stewart says it's a good opportunity for parents to talk about safety precautions with their children.

"Unlike this case, most children who are taken by someone know the person in some way. So it is key to speak with your children on behaviours they should be avoiding, no matter who is displaying it.

"This includes approaches by anyone in unusual places, when anyone asks them illicit questions, or when someone interacts with them inappropriately."

The man being sought is described as a Caucasian in his 50s with salt and pepper hair, and stubble.

Police are also looking for sightings of a white Nissan Maxima, model 1988-1995.

Inspector Sarah Stewart has sought to reassure the public incidents such as this don't happen often.

"Situations like this are very rare in New Zealand," she says.

Newshub.