UPDATE: 9.37am: Nine-year-old Mokoera Valentine has been found safe and well at a friend's address in Mount Maunganui.

Mokoera was found by police staff making enquiries.

Mokoera Valentine, 9, has gone missing in the Arataki area. Photo: Supplied.

Earlier:

A nine-year-old girl has gone missing in the Arataki area of Mount Maunganui, prompting a call-out on social media for information on her whereabouts.

Mokoera Valentine went missing yesterday and was last seen wearing a purple jumper and blue skinny jeans.

Mokoera was last seen by a family member at about 4pm yesterday afternoon.

'She was told to go to their nearby home address in the Arataki area of Mount Maunganui, but instead she ran off,” says a statement from police.

'She was reported missing at 5.40pm and police have been carrying out searches and making various enquiries to try to locate her throughout the night.

'There is a strong possibility that she has gone to a friend's house and stayed the night, and police urge anyone with information about her current whereabouts to call immediately.”

People with information about Mokoera's whereabouts are asked to contact Tauranga Police Station on: 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on: 0800 555 111.

Search for missing 9-year-old girl, Tauranga. Please call police immediately if you know where Mokoera Valentine is https://t.co/14uXbzyCzj

— Bay of Plenty Police (@BOPPolice) October 1, 2015