File photo. Police identified the foot found on Petone Beach as remains of missing 74-year-old Fiva Pita. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Police have identified the foot found on Petone Beach last month.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd said DNA analysis identified the remains as that of missing Petone man Fiva Pita.
The 74-year-old was reported missing after last being seen by his family in the week before Christmas 2022.
His disappearance was not believed to be suspicious and the matter will be referred to the Coroner, Todd said.
Despite an extensive search by police, further remains have not been located.
Police continued to carry out enquiries on behalf of the Coroner, and asked anyone who has information that may help, including any sightings of Pita around Christmas 2022, to get in touch.