A homicide investigation has been launched after the body of missing man Harley Shrimpton was discovered at a property in the Bay of Plenty this week.
The 28-year-old was last seen getting into a car in the McDonald's car park in Mount Maunganui on November 3.
He was reported missing on November 17, with police saying last week they believed him to be a victim of foul play.
The car Shrimpton got into has since been recovered and a 21-year-old man appeared in Tauranga District Court on Wednesday charged with the kidnapping of Shrimpton.
After multiple searches in western Bay of Plenty over the past two weeks, police officers found Shrimpton's body on Tuesday at a property on Poripori Rd.
"Clearly, this is devastating news for the family of Shrimpton, who had continued to hold out hope for his safe return since his disappearance," Det Insp Lindsay Pilbrow said.
Pilbrow said police are working closely with the family through what is a "very difficult time".
"Harley was well known in the Tauranga community and police are keen to hear from any of his friends, associates or extended family, who may have information surrounding his disappearance."
Police said they want to hear from anyone who may have seen a blue Toyota Prius on November 3 in the Tauriko, Omanawa or Poripori Rd areas from the early afternoon onwards.
Anyone with information is urged to call the police on 105 or file a report online using reference number 231117/9085. Alternatively, information can be passed to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
