"Body found in Waipawa"

Please attribute to Detective Mike Signal, Hawke's Bay Police

Police have recovered a body this afternoon at about 2.15pm from the Waipawa River.

The body was located approximately 1.5km down stream from the SH5 bridge in Waipawa.

It is believed to be that of missing fisherman Peter Koziol, however formal identification is yet to take place.

Next-of-kin have been notified and they do not wish to make any comment.

They are asking for privacy as they come to terms with the incident.

Police would like to especially thank the Land SAR volunteers and Hawke's Bay Surf Lifesaving volunteers who have given up their time to assist with the search.

The family has also expressed their thanks to those search volunteers and staff involved.

The death has been referred to the Coroner.

ENDS

© Scoop Media