Body found in search for missing Kayaker at Waihī Beach

A body has been recovered from the water at Waihī Beach in the Western Bay of Plenty during the search for a kayaker who went missing on Tuesday.

According to a report by 1News, police launched a search operation at around 5.40 pm on Tuesday after receiving reports that a man had entered the water in a kayak earlier that day and had not been seen since.

The search continued into Wednesday, with assistance from the Royal New Zealand Navy and Coastguard Whangamatā. Just before 3 pm, a man and his kayak were brought ashore, 1News has reported.

Police said formal identification was still underway but believe the body belongs to the missing kayaker.

"While formal identification of the body is ongoing, police believe it to be the body of the missing man, who was last seen yesterday," police said, as quoted by 1News.

"Our thoughts are with the man’s friends and loved ones at this difficult time," 1News has quoted.

Formal identification is ongoing as authorities continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.