Denise Potter (53) was last seen in the back yard of her daughter's house in Carroll St, Dunedin, around 12.30pm yesterday, Detective Hayden Smale said in a statement today.
When last seen, Mrs Potter was wearing dark blue jeans, a black and grey long-sleeved shirt with white cuffs, and no footwear.
She is described as slim with light brown collar-length hair.
Det Smale urged anyone who may have seen Mrs Potter, or who knows where she is, to contact the Southern District Command Centre on 03 471 5002.