Police searching for a missing Wellington teenager are not ruling out the possibility that she is staying with friends.
Olivia Rutherford, 15, was last seen by friends in central Wellington about 6pm on Friday. She had been reported missing earlier in the day when she failed to turn up at school.
A team of police divers searched unsuccessfully in Wellington Harbour between Franks Kitts Park and Taranaki Street wharf for any sign of the girl on Monday.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Borrell says it is possible that Miss Rutherford is being helped by friends and anyone who may be helping Olivia Rutherford is urged to contact police.
"We are not specifically thinking that this is foul play, however, we have to be open-minded to that as a possibility.
"People go missing for a variety of reasons - some is that they intend not to be located ... Teenagers can be emotional and we believe that she's been fragile and upset on Friday."
Mr Bryant says a further search was being conducted on Monday evening and a fresh dive may be carried out on Tuesday morning.
Police have said they have grave concerns for her safety and on Sunday her mother, Elizabeth Rutherford, made a televised appeal to her to call home.
A yellow and white bag the St Mary's College student had been carrying has been found on the City to Sea Bridge, that runs between Wellington's Civic Square and the lagoon at Frank Kitts Park. Police have spoken with the person who found the bag.
Local parks and reserves were searched on Sunday.
