Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
The body of a Northland kayaker missing since yesterday has been found.
The man had failed to return home after going paddling on the Ruakākā River, south of Whangārei, on Monday morning.
The discovery of his upturned kayak near Marsden Point Road later that day heightened fears for his safety.
Sergeant Simon Craig, of Northland police, said officers started searching the river on Monday afternoon with the help of Surf Life Saving New Zealand, and found his body near the Princes St boat ramp.
Craig said police would conduct enquiries into the man's death on behalf of the Coroner.
His body was found about 5pm on Monday.
On Monday evening Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board declared a rāhui over the Ruakākā River, from the rivermouth to the Biller Road bridge.
The rāhui applied to all river and estuary activities until 3pm on Thursday, 14 August.
