New Zealand
1News

Body found in Canterbury's Waimakariri River believed to be missing Auckland man

February 6, 2021
Waimakariri Bridge

Waimakariri Bridge (Source: 1 NEWS)

A body, which is believed to be that of an Auckland man who went missing last Saturday, has been found in the Waimakariri River near Kairaki. 

Kapuaiwaho "Kapu" Waretini, 38, went missing after going for a swim near the Waimakariri Bridge, north of Christchurch on Saturday, January 30. 

Earlier this week, an extensive search was carried out for Waretini including calling in the police dive squad team. 

While formal identification is yet to take place, a police spokesperson says they believe the body to be his. 

His death has been referred to the coroner. 

New ZealandAccidentsChristchurch and Canterbury

SHARE ME

More Stories

Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle (left) checks up on apprentice Louis Kennedy (17) and his employer Luke Chambers.

Job seeker programme goes 'quiet' after funding slashed

Kaikōura Mayors' Taskforce for Jobs programme had its funding cut back but is doing its best to support local youth and jobseekers into employment.

Friday 5:30pm

The Amberley Beach village faces threats from sea level rise.

'Green' loan to help beachside village at risk of rising seas

The Hurunui District Council has secured a $23.5m green loan to fund coastal retreat efforts.

Friday 5:12pm

A photo of a dusky dolphin.

Calls for information after decapitated dolphin found near Kaikōura

The Department of Conservation said the dolphin was discovered by a member of the public.

Thu, Sep 11

1:30

The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including how police are putting the Marokopa puzzle together, a middle of the night shock for an Auckland family, and why your next online shopping haul could be late.

News in 90 Seconds September 10

The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including how police are putting the Marokopa puzzle together, a middle of the night shock for an Auckland family, and why your next online shopping haul could be late.

Wed, Sep 10

1:30

Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre search and rescue officer James Simpson says inappropriately disposed beacons are wasting resources and time.

Wrongful disposal of emergency locator beacons costing thousands

Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre says it's costing thousands of dollars in wasted resources.

Tue, Sep 9

Flight, a bronze sculpture created by Llew Summers in 2018.

Stolen sculpture allegedly turned into scrap metal, man charged

The sculpture, Flight, was created by renowned Christchurch sculptor Llew Summers in 2018.

Tue, Sep 9

Latest

Popular

27 mins ago

Sawn-off shotgun, 'substantial amount of cocaine' found in vehicle

A firearm located during the vehicle stop.

55 mins ago

Photos: Tens of thousands join pro-Palestine march through Auckland CBD

Pro-Palestine supporters march down Auckland's Queen St.

1:10pm

South Korean workers return home following US immigration raid

South Korean workers released after days of detention in Georgia arrive at the Incheon International Airport, in Incheon, South Korea, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025

12:39pm

Violence surges in West Bank as Israeli strikes continue

Israeli police and rescue teams inspect the scene of a shooting attack carried out by two Palestinian gunmen, in which several people were killed and others injured at a bus stop in Jerusalem

11:58am

NATO bulks up defences on eastern flank to ward off Russia

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, right, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), General Alexus G. Grynkewich address the media at NATO headquarters in Brussels

11:36am

UN votes to back two-state solution to Israel-Palestinian conflict

Smoke and flames rise after an Israeli military strike on a building in Gaza City
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

The David Bowie Centre, a new archive at the V&A East Storehouse in London.

David Bowie archive in London chronicles 50 years of creativity

Tantalising details of abandoned and unfinished ideas are revealed in Bowie’s archive.

Thu, Sep 11

Members of the Star Trek crew, from left, James Doohan, DeForest Kelley, Walter Koenig, William Shatner, George Takei, Leonard Nimoy, and Nichelle Nichols, toast the newest "Star Trek" film at Paramount Studios on Dec. 28, 1988.

Star Trek plans packed celebration for the franchise's 60th anniversary

The sci-fi series began with the TV series that debuted in 1966 and has since sprawled into a multibillion-dollar cultural phenomenon.

Tue, Sep 9

Brad Pitt appears in new ad filmed in Queenstown by Taika Waititi

Brad Pitt appears in new ad filmed in Queenstown by Taika Waititi

Tue, Sep 9

The loves and struggles of NZ’s teen dads

The loves and struggles of NZ’s teen dads

Mon, Sep 8

Mark Labbett, The Beast

'The Beast' branded 'worst loser in the world' by fellow Chaser

Sun, Sep 7