Remains found in the Waikato River on Saturday had been in the water for a considerable time, police believe.
A barge master discovered the body submerged beside his vessel at Meremere Wharf.
Police say the body is small in stature. At this stage they are unsure of the person's gender.
They say the skeletal remains have been taken to Auckland to undergo a variety of tests and a post-mortem.
The discovery has been reported to the coroner.
