The man whose body was pulled from Mairangi Bay with a missing leg was a new teacher at Westlake Girls High School.
Newshub understands the man is Leslie Gelberger, a swimmer reported missing on Thursday night.
Mr Gelberger had only joined the school at the start of this year and had taught many senior students in maths, science and physics.
Police have yet to officially name the victim.
The school has sent out an email, saying it is "shocked and saddened" by the news.
"While the exact circumstances surrounding his death are unclear, it would appear that Leslie was involved in a tragic accident while swimming off Narrow Neck Beach," the email to parents and students reads.
"In his brief time at the school he had built up a reputation as an excellent teacher and was greatly respected by staff and students.
"Leslie was actively involved in school life. His ready smile and outgoing personality will be missed by everyone."
In a Facebook post, Mr Gelberger's wife said they'd lost "the best man, the best father two our two boys and the most amazing kindest positive and adventurous person I have ever known".
"We are shattered but supported," Laura Gelberger wrote.
On Thursday a search was launched after a man failed to return from a regular swim off Narrow Neck Beach. The body was spotted by passengers on a commuter ferry on Friday.
Ports of Auckland chief executive Tony Gibson, in a statement, has confirmed one of the company's boats was under police investigation over the man's death.
The circumstances are not clear, but it is cooperating fully with police.
"I am extremely upset that one of our pilot boats may have been involved in the death of a swimmer," Mr Gibson says.
"I understand the pain this will have caused and I offer the family and friends of the swimmer my deepest sympathies for their tragic loss."
Mr Gelberger leaves behind a wife and two young sons.
The school says though it is still Easter holidays, it will offer support to those who need it over the coming weeks.
Newshub.
