Police have launched a homicide investigation after a man's body was found in the Waikato River near Ngāruawāhia.
The body was found around 7pm on Thursday, January 18 by members of the public who had taken their boat to the river.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson said they've identified the man as 52-year-old John Wirihana Isaac, of Hamilton.
"As a result of a post-mortem examination, we have now launched a homicide inquiry," he said in a statement on Saturday.
"To protect the investigation at this early stage, Police are not in a position to elaborate on the cause of Mr Isaac's death.
"We would, however, like to hear from anyone who has seen Mr Isaac in the past few days or any unusual activity near the river and any of the bridges between Hamilton and Ngāruawāhia."
Anyone with information is asked to call 105, or make a report online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking 'Update Report'. Please reference the file number 240119/8775.
Information can also be provided anonymously to CrimeStoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
"This is an incredibly distressing event for Mr Isaac's whānau, and we are providing them with support at this time," Det Snr Sgt Patterson added.
"Further updates will be issued proactively."
