A missing Hamilton woman who suffers from dementia has been found safe and well by a concerned neighbour.

Dianna Winnie Mitchell, 75, was reported missing from her Elizabeth St address by family about 9.20am this morning.

Neighbour Jaime Anderson  joined a large search and rescue operation, including volunteers and police who scoured Waikato riverbanks and nearby streets for Mrs Mitchell, who suffers from dementia.

"I’d already been down to the river with Mum and we saw a group of people searching on bikes so we went home,’’ she said.

"Dad wanted some more wood for the fence he is building so I jumped in the car and couldn’t believe it when I got just around the corner and saw Dianna walking along Te Rapa straight.’’

Mrs Mitchell was walking home with a bunch of circulars, plastic bottles and a beanie full of puha.

"I think she had been out picking the puha - she had no idea that people were out there looking for her,’’ Miss Anderson said.

"I’m just stoked she has been found safe and well - I’m still shaking, I can’t believe it.’’

- © Fairfax NZ News