A body found off Auckland's Takapuna Beach is believed to be that of a paddle-board rider who went missing four days ago, police say.
The body, identified as Mark Thomas, 52, was recovered around 7pm yesterday during a combined navy and police operation using sonar equipment.
A Police Maritime Auckland spokesman said an autopsy would be held to determine Mr Thomas' cause of death and the case had been referred to the coroner.
Police had been searching for the paddle-boarder since he was reported missing by his family on Wednesday. His board was found by the police launch Deodar but poor water visibility had hampered the search for the body.
NZN