supplied
Jade Jenkins-Rushton, also known as Axl/Axel, and Rhiannon Whiteman, 13, are missing. They were last seen in Tauranga but may now be in Auckland.
Two teenagers are missing in Tauranga and their distraught parents are begging them to make contact, and are asking the public for help.
Jade Jenkins-Rushton, also known as Axl/Axel, and best friend Rhiannon Whiteman, both 13 years old, were last seen early in the morning on Monday when they left for school – but did not arrive.
Their parents have reported them as missing to police.
“We are so worried. We just want to hear from them and know they are safe. Please contact us. Please come home,” Jade’s mother Gemma Rushton told Stuff.
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Rushton said she last saw Jade at the bus stop in Greerton, where Jade catches the bus to Tauranga Girls’ College.
Sharon Whiteman’s daughter Rhiannon was heading to the same school when she left her Welcome Bay home that morning.
Both were wearing school uniform, but Rushton believes they may have changed clothes.
“Jade was carrying a pink drawstring bag which she told me had her sports gear in, but I think she had a spare outfit.”
Gemma Rushton/Supplied
Jade Jenkins-Rushton has been missing since the morning of July 25 and may be in Auckland.
Neither of the two arrived at school and both mothers were contacted by staff at Tauranga Girls’ College later that morning.
Rushton believes the pair may have taken a bus to Auckland and may now be in the city.
“Jade’s father Chris managed to get some information from Snapchat, and there had been talk of some girls going to Auckland. This is so unlike her, she has never done anything like this before. We just want to hear from them that they are okay, and to know where they are.”
Jade is also known to friends as Axl/Axel, Rushton said, and also uses the pronoun he.
“We support and love Jade and our family is fully supportive of the LGBTQ community,” said Rushton.
Whiteman said her daughter Rhiannon – who identifies as non-binary and also goes by the name Toby – had taken some money.
“I just want them to know I love them very much and just want them to come home. Please call us and let us know that you are okay and where you are.”
Rhiannon had recently cut her hair and dyed her fringe, Whiteman said.
“They may have dyed their hair to disguise themselves.”
Stuff has contacted police for comment.
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