Skeletal remains found at the foothills of the Tararua Ranges earlier this month have been confirmed as missing Levin man Palmiro MacDonald.
Mr MacDonald was a known Nomad gang associate who had been missing since March.
Police say while the remains have been confirmed as the missing man, a forensic investigation is ongoing - as is an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Baskett hopes the discovery of Mr Palmiro's body will give his family and friends some closure.
"This is a significant event for the investigation as we continue to progress, however it's most significant for Mr MacDonald's whanau."
Earlier in the investigation police had been looking into a possible link between arson at a Hokio Beach property in March and Mr MacDonald's disappearance.
The property is believed to be owned by a number of Nomad Gang members.
Newshub.