A teenage girl appeared to be tied up and gagged in the front passenger seat of a car near Whangarei yesterday.
Police are calling for information from the public after the incident on Kerehunga Rd, Poriti, was reported about 12.45pm.
Witnesses said the girl looked scared and appeared to have her hands tied together and duct tape placed over her mouth.
Police responded to the report but failed to find the vehicle.
Witnesses said the car, described as a white sedan with a black stripe down the side, drove past them and turned onto Mangakahia Rd, heading towards Whangarei.
They described the girl as part-Maori with brown or black hair tied up in a bun.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact Whangarei police on 09 430 4500 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.