A riverbed search for Emma Beattie, who went missing late on Friday night, will continue until sunset tonight.
Missing Rangiora woman Emma Beattie Photo: NZ Police
A group of 40 volunteers and police are searching in and around the Ashley River in North Canterbury for the 20-year-old who was last seen at home near Rangiora late on Friday night.
Mid-Canterbury search and rescue co-ordinator Sergeant Phil Simmonds said Ms Beattie disappeared some time in the night or early morning.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
"Nothing suspicious that we can think of but just really concerned for her safety.
"It's been three days now and we haven't found anything of her or heard from her, so really keen for any sightings of her to be reported to police."
The search was focused around the river because that was an area she was familiar with and would often go walking in.
"We're searching down in the Ashley River bed, there's quite a bit of scrub, it's quite heavy going so it's actually taking quite a long time to do it. The temperatures are such that it's really hot."
Ms Beattie has long blonde hair, and could be wearing orange and black Nike shoes, and carrying a brown backpack with rope straps.
