The tragedy happened near Clarks Beach in Manukau Harbour late last year Photo: RNZ / Lucy Xia
A man has been charged with manslaughter after a woman died and her son went missing when a boat capsized in Auckland's Manukau Harbour late last year.
On 6 November, 39-year-old Gemma Ferregel and her 10 year-old son Ryder were with three other people on a boat that capsized near Clarks Beach.
Two people from the boat were able to swim to the shore and one was rescued.
Ryder was never found but his mother's body was recovered.
Police Inspector Joe Hunter said a 62-year-old man had been arrested and charged today in connection to the incident.
He was expected to appear in the Manukau District Court today.
Hunter said police had carried out an investigation, including a legal review.
The case has had a "profound impact" on the families who were involved, as well as the wider community, he said.
Searchers had looked for Ryder in the area for more than a week after the boat capsized, with the police Eagle helicopter, Coastguard air patrol and surf life saving crews all taking part.
Hunter said police could not comment further because the case was now before the courts.