New Zealand schoolgirl is allegedly grabbed by man in terrifying kidnap attempt - as man, 56, is arrested

A middle-aged man accused of trying to kidnap a schoolgirl in a terrifying ordeal two weeks ago has been arrested.

The girl, who is a student at Green Bay High School in West Auckland, New Zealand, was allegedly targeted on March 19 at 4.23pm.

'We were notified that an unknown male driving a vehicle had slowed down next to the victim walking on South Titirangi Road near the intersection with Tinopai Road,' Auckland police said in a statement.

The man, 56, allegedly attempted to talk to the girl before he reached out of a white flat deck truck and grabbed her by the arm.

But the girl allegedly managed to break free of his grasp and run home.

In an update on Tuesday, Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie said a 56-year-old man had been arrested over the Easter long weekend.

'We followed up on information from the public about a vehicle of interest in this case, which has led to the arrest,' she said.

The man is scheduled to appear in Waitākere District Court on Friday, charged with assault.

Detective Goldie said more charges may be made as the investigation continues.

'We believe there have been similar approaches in the West Auckland area over the last several months, and we encourage members of our community who have knowledge of these incidents to please contact police.'

Green Bay High School principal Fiona Barker said she found out about what allegedly happened on March 20 when the student's family contacted her.

'(The student is) being supported by our guidance team and we are in close contact with their family,' Ms Barker told the NZ Herald.

'We have let our community know about the situation, as well as getting in touch with schools in the area.'