The search for a 73-year-old Auckland woman who has been missing for a week has been called off.
Pat Wearn Photo: NZ Police
Pat Wearn, who has Alzheimer's, has not been seen since she left her Caversham Drive home in Torbay to go for a regular walk last Monday.
Hundreds of people have searched properties, reserves and bush areas in Torbay, Browns Bay and Long Bay over the past week, but have found no sign of her.
Waterways have also been searched.
Inspector Claire Humble said they had consulted with medical experts and did not think Mrs Wearn could have survived this long.
She said while the search for Mrs Wearn had been suspended, the investigation into her disappearance would continue.
In a statement the family of Pat Wearn thanked police, search and rescue teams, and the North Shore community.
"Over the last seven days we have had to cope with a dramatic interruption to those routines and the consequent wide range of emotions."
"You will know that the active search has been suspended, but the investigation is still very much active and being pursued by the police. We support this decision."
The statement said it had been a particularly difficult time for family they had in the UK.
"We have been hugely encouraged by the community response and see this as a very positive effect of a tragic situation."
They are urging the wider North Shore community to check their properties and gardens, and report any sightings or evidence to police.
