A Gisborne school girl feared dead by her family and the police has been found safe and well.
A big search was mounted for Riqueal Wharehinga, 11, when her mother reported her missing off Waikanae Beach, at the mouth of Turanganui River.
After the alarm was raised just after 4pm, a helicopter and boats were launched, and the police dive squad was called in.
Both the police and the family thought they would be looking for a body.
But before 8pm this evening Sergeant Greg Lexmond said the girl came walking up the beach as though nothing had happened.
