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Body recovered during search for missing kayaker at Waihi Beach
A body has been recovered during the second day of a search for a missing kayaker at Waihi Beach. Police believe it to be the missing man, with formal identification ongoing.
By The Waikato Advocate · 21 October 2026 · 1 min read
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Photo: The Waikato Advocate.
A body has been recovered during the second day of a search for a missing kayaker at Waihi Beach.
While formal identification of the body is ongoing, Police believe it to be the body of the missing man, who was last seen yesterday.
The man, and kayak, were brought to shore with the help of the Royal New Zealand Navy and Coastguard Whangamata just before 3pm.
The search, which began at approximately 5.40pm last night, ran through the evening and included assistance from the Police Eagle helicopter.
Police said “Our thoughts are with the man’s friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
Source: New Zealand Police media statement, issued on Wednesday 21 October 2026.
