Missing 17-month-old toddler found

The 17-month-old toddler abducted from her home northwest of Auckland yesterday afternoon has been found tonight at an address in Swanson, in west Auckland.

Police say a woman watching the six o'clock TV news recognised the woman and child who were staying with her as Skye Mason and Alyssa Barker.

She waited until they were asleep before calling police at 9.15pm to notify them.

Alyssa Barker is being reunited with her family tonight while 27-year-old Skye Mason is in custody.

Police say the child is well and does not appear to be suffering any ill effects as a result of her 36-hour absence from her home.

Detective Inspector Stan Brown says he and his staff are delighted to be able to return Alyssa to her family and grateful to media for their help during what he describes as a nervous search.

Police ran pleas for help on electronic motorway signs from Auckland to Wellington, as they search for a missing toddler.

Photo: Supplied