A body located by hunters in the Ōtaki Gorge earlier this week is believed to be that of a man missing in the area since October last year.
Manawatū Police and Search and Rescue responded to the Eastern Park of Ōtaki Gorge on February 5 after members of the public discovered the body while hunting in dense bush.
A formal identification process has commenced.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thompson said that while the formal identification process is yet to be completed, it is thought that the body is that of missing person Duncan Hill.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious and police are conducting inquiries on behalf of the coroner."
The Hill family have been informed of the discovery, and police are now working with various experts and the coroner's office to complete the identification as quickly as possible, Thompson said.
"Police extend our condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time."
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