The body found at a site of interest in Northland last week has been confirmed as that of missing woman Bridget Simmonds.
Part of a rural property in Whangarei was excavated last Friday after police learned Simmonds may have been buried there.
After discovering the body, police at the time said they believed it to be Simmonds but could not confirm that until a post-mortem examination was carried out.
That examination and the subsequent formal identification process have now been completed.
"Police have been in contact with the family and are offering them any support they need," a statement sent to media read.
A 57-year-old was arrested in connection to the case last Friday, but Detective Senior Sergeant John Clayton says "a number of individuals" are holding on to information that could be crucial to the police investigation.
"We urge these people to do the right thing and contact police," he said. "Anyone with information is urged to call the investigation team on (09) 430 4555, and all calls to this number will be treated in confidence.
"The police investigation continues and investigators are still working to establish what exactly happened to Bridget."
While no further charges have yet been laid against the 57-year-old man, Det Snr Sgt Clayton says they are likely.
