A body has been found in the search for a man missing after being swept away in his vehicle by floodwaters north of Auckland on Wednesday morning.
A 47‑year‑old Kiribati man was swept away in water at the Mahurangi River, near Warkworth, at 7.41am on January 21.
His passenger managed to escape the vehicle and raise the alarm. They had been attempting to cross the river at a crossing on Falls Rd.
Inspector Simon Walker today confirmed a body was found in the river earlier this evening.
"While formal identification is still underway, police believe the body is that of the 47‑year‑old Kiribati man who was reported missing after being washed away during severe weather on Wednesday," Walker said.
"Police extend their sincere condolences to the man’s whānau at this very difficult time.
"Family members have been informed and are being supported by police."
Police thanked first responders, volunteers and the "many community members who assisted in challenging conditions" as part of the search.
The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and will be referred to the coroner.
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