Searchers have found the body of an elderly man reported missing from Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Police say the body of Colin Walter Hodges, 78, was found in the Wentworth River near his home on Wednesday afternoon.
They say heavy rain had raised water levels and made the search difficult.
Police say a post mortem will now be carried out and Mr Hodges' death has been reported to the coroner.
