Human remains found at a Porirua beach earlier this year have been identified as being those of a woman reported missing in 1988, police say.
The remains were found at Tihati Bay on January 31.
DNA analysis has since determined it was the remains of Patricia Theresa Burt, who went missing on April 4, 1988.
The NZ Herald said Burt, 68, had disappeared from the Porirua psychiatric hospital not far from where her remains were found.
Det Snr Sgt Hamish Blackburn revealed there was "no evidence to suggest that the death is suspicious".
Burt's family was being supported during this difficult time, he said.
"Police are happy to have found solace for Patricia's family and we would like to extend our condolences to them.
"We are proud of our staff who have spent months of hard work and dedication working on this matter."
The coroner has been notified, Blackburn said.
