Missing fisherman's body found near Taharoa

The body of a fisherman who went missing near Taharoa has been found.

A search and rescue operation had been underway after 55-year-old Dilane Harding went missing while fishing off Paparoa Rock on 18 June.

Police said a body was sighted on Saturday by Eagle on rocks near Albatross Point in Taharoa.

The body was recovered on Sunday and after formal identification it has been identified as Harding.

Senior Sergeant Mary Van Dongen had said at the time it was believed Harding was fishing alone.

She said Harding's family were concerned when he didn't return home Thursday 18 June, and went to the beach to look for him, but he was nowhere to be found.

Van Dongen had said Paparoa Rock was a remote spot near the Taharoa Iron Sands Mine that was only accessible by rough farm tracks or beach access through the sands mine.

A search had been ongoing in the area with the police Eagle helicopter and use of a drone. Land Search and Rescue and Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol were also involved.

Harding death has been referred to the Coroner.