Attribute to Inspector Riki Whiu, Far North Area Commander:
Police can confirm a person has died following a water-related incident in the Far North yesterday evening.
Emergency services responded to reports of a missing diver off Waihihi Bay around 6.40pm.
Police, with the assistance of our partner agencies, located a body in the water just before 2am.
Our thoughts are with their family at this sad time.
The death will be referred to the Coroner.
Attribute to Coastguard New Zealand Regional Manager Jonny Bannister:
Coastguard Bay of Islands volunteers onboard Kokako Rescue took the lead in the search efforts, supported by the Coastguard Operations Centre, overseeing and coordinating an extensive search that involved up to 15 private vessels.
ENDS.
Anna Thompson/NZ Police