Concern is mounting for a contestant in this year's Rose of Tralee as she has been reported missing by her family.

Monica Reid, 26, is the current Auckland Rose and took part in the New Zealand competition last month to pick a representative to travel to Ireland this coming August. However, she was not chosen as the overall winner.

Ms Reid, who works as a transport network optimiser, and holds a BA in theatre, film and Italian is currently completing a Masters in urban planning.

North Shore, Rodney and West Auckland Police are urgently "seeking sightings" of Ms Reid, a spokesperson said.

READ MORE - Thirty-four children currently missing from State care as Minister insists it's a 'top priority'

READ MORE - Wicklow Gardai appeal for help tracing missing teenager

The young woman has been reported missing by her family and there are concerns for her welfare.

She was last seen on Friday afternoon in Matipo Road, Te Atatu Peninsula and is believed to be wearing a purple/pink puffer jacket.

Police added: "If you think you may have seen Monica since yesterday afternoon, or have information which might help us find her, please call 111 and quote event number P059054868."

Her siblings Benedict, Francis and Cecilia Reid have appealed to the New Zealand public to report any sightings of their sister to police.

Her sister Cecilia has travelled from her home in Australia to join the search.

"Monica is a much-loved friend, sister and aunty of a large family," Cecilia told online news network Stuff.

The family were "not coping" with her disappearance. "All of us, we love Monica so much," Cecilia continued.

"I'd love to know that she's okay. I just want to see her again.

"Monica, if you are out there, know that I love you, we love you, and we just want to know you are safe."

She thanked the police, friends and family for helping with the search for her sister.

Another sibling Francis added on Facebook: "My sister Monica is missing. We are concerned and the police have been contacted. Please keep an eye out for her. She was last seen in Te Atatu in Auckland."

The Auckland Irish Club said: "Our Rose, Monica is missing. Please share to your (Facebook) page and ask your friends to share. Praying for Monica’s safe return."

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.