25/01/2026
The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust acknowledge the passing of a member of our community following this week’s severe weather events in the Mahurangi River.
Our aroha is with his wife and four children, and the Kiribati community, as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.
In the coming days, our Kaumātua will lay karakia over our tupuna awa. We ask that everyone please refrain from swimming, fishing, and gathering kai from the Falls Street ford through to the Waihē (Mahurangi Harbour entrance) until further notice.
Members of the wider community are exploring ways to tautoko the whānau. If you would like to contribute in any way, please keep an eye on the comments section where details will be shared once confirmed.
Police can confirm a body has been recovered from the Mahurangi River near Warkworth.
The body was located earlier this evening during ongoing search efforts. While formal identification is still underway, Police believe the body is that of the 47‑year‑old Kiribati man who was reported missing after being washed away during severe weather on Wednesday.
Police extend their sincere condolences to the man’s whānau at this very difficult time. Family members have been informed and are being supported by Police.
Police would like to acknowledge and thank the many people and teams involved in the search over recent days, including Land Search and Rescue, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, other supporting agencies, and the many community members who assisted in challenging conditions.
The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and will be referred to the Coroner.
