The body of a man has been found at Uretiti Beach, south of Whangarei.
Uretiti Beach, south of Whangarei, where the man's body was found. Photo: 123RF
It is thought to be that of an Auckland man who was lost at sea last week near Waipu while crab-fishing.
Police said a member of the public found the body about 7am, 500 metres south of Tip Road.
The 35-year-old man set out in an inflatable dinghy 12 days ago to set crab pots.
He fell out when strong winds blew the inflatable out to sea and tipped it over.
The police have notified the missing man's family but would not release his name until the body has been formally identified.
Local iwi extend rāhui
Kaumātua have extended the rāhui (restriction) over Uretiti Beach following the discovery of the man's body.
Local Māori elder Fred Tito said the rāhui tapu extended from in front of Uretiti Camping Ground to the Waipu River and 500m offshore.
Fishing, swimming and recreational activities are discouraged, under the rāhui, for health and tikanga reasons.
The rāhui will be lifted at midday next Wedneday, Mr Tito said.