A body thought to be that of a Ngaruawahia man missing since September was removed on Monday afternoon from a car found in the Waikato River.
Police say an examination will be needed to confirm the identity.
However, Senior Sergeant Pete Simpson says he is working along the lines that the body is that of the car's registered owner.
Waka Graham, 48, has been the subject of a number of searches by both police and family members, including along the river.
Members of the Police National Dive Squad flew up from Wellington on Monday morning to help recover his green 2003 Ford Falcon sedan.
