The search for a swimmer who went missing near Mount Maunganui has been called off by local police after a body was discovered on Monday morning.
The deceased was located on Papamoa Beach - a suburb of Tauranga - by a member of the public, who notified authorities at roughly 7am.
The body has now been recovered and a blessing has been performed, Tauranga Police said in a statement.
Due to the discovery of the body, officers will not be resuming their search for a man who was reported missing on Saturday. The swimmer, who entered the water with two others off Marine Parade that morning, failed to return to shore.
Call-out squads from the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service, Omanu and Papamoa Surf Clubs searched for the man on Saturday. Up to six inflatable rescue boats, a jetski, two all-terrain vehicles and more than 30 lifeguards were deployed by police to scour the surrounding area. The search resumed at first-light on Sunday.
In an update later on Monday morning, Western Bay of Plenty Area Response Manager, Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford, confirmed the identity of the body.
He was Michael Joseph Finekifolau, aged 22, of Auckland.
"Mr Finekifolau had not returned from a swim at Mt Maunganui on Saturday, November 7," Snr Sgt Clifford said.
"Our thoughts are with his whānau at this time and Police continue to provide them with support."
Police have extended their thanks to those involved in the weekend's search operation.
The 22-year-old's death will be referred to the Coroner.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand also thanked all volunteers and emergency service personnel involved in the search and recovery.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died," it said.
