Woman missing after she allegedly stole kayak and entered water - police

A woman allegedly stole a kayak from a property near Paraparaumu last night and has since gone missing after entering the water, according to police.

The Coastguard and Westpac Rescue Helicopter will soon resume searching for the woman after it undertook a search leading up to midnight last night.

Wellington Police said it was appealing for help from the public for any information.

"Police are appealing for any information regarding a kayaker missing off the Kāpiti Coast north of Wellington," a spokesperson said in a media release.

"At around 8pm last night a woman allegedly stole a kayak from a Raumati property and was seen entering the water in the kayak.

In an updated release, police said: "An earlier release stated that the kayak was a one-person kayak - it is in fact a two person, sit-on kayak. The photos attached show the woman with the kayak just prior to entering the water last night."

"The woman was wearing a long-sleeved red top and grey trackpants, and carrying a white and pink bag."

Police added: "The person who reported the matter to police lost sight of the woman on the kayak at around 8.30pm.

"Police, Coastguard and the Westpac rescue helicopter undertook a search until 12.30am this morning, and will resume searching at around 8am.

"Police are being assisted by Surf Lifesaving NZ and LandSAR."

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police, citing P056449151.