A fully-clothed skeleton found near State Highway 3 in Ōtorohanga last week has been identified as the body of a person who went missing in 2022.

According to RNZ, the body was found by a local farmer and a group of weed controllers in an area of privet bush. The farmer, Clare Douglas, said the body, now a skeleton, was fully clothed and wearing work boots.

This morning, police said it had identified the remains as Colin (Col) Heath.

The 47-year-old was reported missing in 2022.

“Police extend sympathies to Col’s family, who have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”

Heath’s death has been referred to the coroner.