Police remain hopeful a number of positive public leads in the attempted abduction of a Mount Maunganui schoolgirl will eventually lead to an arrest.

A Maori man is alleged to have grabbed a 12-year-old girl on Bain Street while she was delivering newspapers about 11.15am on Friday, September 12.

She managed to break free and run off to a nearby house, where police were contacted and subsequently spent several hours searching for the man.

Mount Maunganui CIB Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell says a number of public leads are being followed up but any sightings of the 'construction” type vehicle or the man are welcomed.

Police believe the man is in his 50s, with a beard, and was sitting in a parked white light truck with writing on both sides. The vehicle was last seen being driven, at speed, down Riverton Road towards Tay Street.

'We are still seeking the public's assistance in relation to any activity they saw on Friday in particular, but any other day through the week which may have drawn their suspicions to this type of vehicle in any part of Mount Maunganui.”

Pete also puts out an extended plea through SunLive to the thousands taking part in last week's AIMS Games while the attempted abduction happened.

More than 7250 intermediate-aged students took part in AIMS Games, New Zealand's largest junior sporting festival.

'Through media coverage there may well have been people no longer in town that may read this and have seen something.

'Anyone whom is reading this who were in Mount Maunganui on Friday involved in any sporting activities who saw anything, we would appreciate them to contact their nearest police or contact us directly.”

The 12-year-old is a pupil at Mount Maunganui Intermediate School.

Today, principal Lisa Morresey sent an email to parents asking them to revisit safety strategies with their children.

Lisa also praised the girl's actions in dealing with the incident.

'We are very proud of the way that she handled the situation and police have praised the student and local schools for implementing programmes such as Keeping Ourselves Safe and Girls' Self Defence.”

People with information are asked to contact the Mount Maunganui Police Station on 07 575 3143.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.