The family of a Rotorua woman missing for just over two weeks has been told about the discovery of a body.
Michelle Hoffman-Tamm set out to visit a friend on her bicycle on 7 November, but never turned up.
Police investigating Ms Hoffman-Tamm's disappearance upgraded their investigation to a homicide after a 44-year-old woman appeared in the Rotorua District Court on Friday charged with assault.
Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith says a body was found on Friday afternoon in forest just off State Highway 38 between Rotorua and Murupara.
The body has yet to be formally identified, but police have spoken to Ms Hoffman-Tamm's family about the discovery.
Mr Smith says Ms Hoffman-Tamm's bicycle was found on Thursday near some shops some distance away from her home.
Scene examinations will continue around the forest area and at a house in Holland Street.
A post-mortem will be carried out on Saturday.
