A body has been found in the search for a diver who went missing in Whakatāne.
Police confirmed the person was found about 9am on Saturday near the Whakatāne River entrance.
“Police are providing the necessary support to the diver’s family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Emergency services were called to the area Friday afternoon after a person was said to be in distress near Sugarloaf Rocks about 1.30pm.
The exact circumstances have not been made public.
Despite efforts to find the person involved, the search was called off Friday evening.
Police acknowledged those who helped in the search, including Coastguard Whakatāne volunteers, Whakatāne Surf Lifesaving and the Police National Dive Squad.