New Zealand
1News

Body found at notorious Omanawa Falls after man goes missing

January 3, 2021

A body has been found after a man was reported missing at the notorious Omanawa Falls in Bay of Plenty today.

The scenic waterfalls are closed to the public and are only accessible by climbing down a dangerous cliff.

Today police confirmed a man was reported missing at the falls at around 2.30pm.

A body was found just after 4pm, a police spokesperson told 1 NEWS.

Earlier this week, members of the local hapū said they'd be taking time to keep an eye out to keep people away.

Multiple signs warn of the dangers at the falls, as well as fences blocking access.

The coroner will be investigating the latest death, police say.

New ZealandTauranga and Bay of Plenty

SHARE ME

More Stories

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer (left) and Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale went rowing last April for Local Water Done Well.

Bay Of Plenty councils make 'landmark' water decision after long debate

The Multi-Council Controlled Organisation they settled on would be in charge of delivering water supply, wastewater and stormwater services.

Fri, Apr 3

The Pāpāmoa East Interchange will open this week before Good Friday.

Stop off, pay extra: New SH2 toll labelled 'unfair' to locals, businesses

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford posted on Facebook, saying he had heard from hundreds of residents concerned about the new toll taking effect in late 2026.

Wed, Apr 1

A screenshot of the video posted online.

Two arrested after allegedly drowning puppies in Whakatāne River

Police have caught two males who allegedly filmed themselves throwing puppies into the Whakatāne River – where the animals later drowned.

Tue, Mar 31

Tauranga City Council has hired four external law firms to respond to the Mauao landslide inquiries.

Tauranga's council hires four legal firms after fatal Mauao landslide

Several inquiries have been opened into the landslide, including by the Coroner, NZ Police, WorkSafe NZ, central government and the council.

Tue, Mar 31

1:33

The Whakaari/White Island eruption on December 9, 2019 killed 22 people and remains one of New Zealand's deadliest volcanic disasters.

'I feel a pull': Whakaari victim's mother wants to move to NZ

Marie Browitt's husband and youngest daughter were killed in the December 2019 eruption, while her eldest daughter suffered severe burns to more than 70% of her body.

Mon, Mar 30

6:51

The annual Whangamatā Beach Hop attracted tens of thousands to the seaside town.

Police kept busy during annual Whangamatā Beach Hop

Thirty were arrested and 40 liquor ban infringement notices were issued over the weekend.

Sun, Mar 29

Latest

Popular

3 mins ago

Peters to meet Rubio this week, will discuss Middle East in US visit

Foreign Minister Winston Peters with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in March 2025.

20 mins ago

A long Mideast war could detract support from Ukraine – Zelensky

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks during an interview with The Associated Press, in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, April 4, 2026.

50 mins ago

Insurer flags ‘sea surge’ risk for some Napier estate properties

Some homes in Napier City Council-owned residential development are uninsurable with one of the country’s leading insurers.

8:08am

Import rule change reshapes ANZ Premiership landscape

ne-Mari Venter of South Africa during the Netball Quad Series match between South Africa and New Zealand at Cape Town International Convention Centre on January 21, 2023 in Cape Town, South Africa.

7:45am

Trump issues fiery new threat against Iran, details of airman's rescue emerge

US President Donald Trump during a prime-time address to the nation in the Cross Hall of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

7:30am

Collapse of Tokyo's aging cherry blossom trees raises safety concerns

An aging cherry blossom tree.
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Jen Affleck, from left, Layla Taylor, Miranda McWhorter, and Jessi Draper Ngatikaura participate in Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" photo call at The Rink at Rockefeller Plaza, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in New York.

Mormon reality show influencers boost curiosity around the church

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars project a version of the faith that appears more progressive and lenient than church leadership and other Latter-day Saint influencers might like.

Saturday 9:40am

Gucci Mane performs during the Festival d'ete de Quebec in Quebec City, Canada on July 12, 2019.

US rapper charged with kidnapping over alleged record label dispute

Prosecutors accused rapper Pooh Shiesty and eight others of robbing three men at gunpoint and kidnapping them following a contract dispute involving Gucci Mane's record label.

Fri, Apr 3

Taylor Swift appears at the MTV Video Music Awards in Elmont, N.Y., on Sept. 11, 2024

Taylor Swift sued over alleged 'Showgirl' trademark infringement

Thu, Apr 2

Celebrity Treasure Island hosts Bree Tomasel and Jayden Daniels.

April’s must-see TV: What’s coming to TVNZ

Wed, Apr 1

Tolkan died Thursday in Lake Placid, New York, where he lived, his booking agent, John Alcantar, said Saturday.

Top Gun and Back to the Future actor James Tolkan dies

Sun, Mar 29