Body found at Lake Arapuni near Putaruru

Taupo police area commander Steve Bullock. Photo / Alan Gibson

Searchers have late this afternoon found a body of a man in Lake Arapuni near Putaruru.

Taupo Police Area Commander, Inspector Steve Bullock, said police believe that the body is one of two men who went missing while on a fishing trip at the lake more than a week ago.

Inspector Bullock said: "Searchers found a body in The Landing area of the lake about 4pm. The body has been brought ashore by boat this evening but formal identification has yet to be made."

"This may take some time. We have advised family members of the two missing men of today's discovery, some of whom have been part of the extensive search involving police, the Taupo Youthtown Rescue helicopter, the Harbour Master, Coastguard and volunteers.

"This is a very sad and difficult time for family and friends of the two men, some of whom arrived from the United Kingdom today," Inspector Bullock said.

He said that the body was found in an area near where a boot and an oilskin were recovered in the lake a few days ago.

Twenty one year old Jordan Pooley from Tokoroa and 45 year old James Roberts from Putaruru had set off in a three metre boat from Jones Landing at the northern end of the lake around midday on Sunday 28 August.

The alarm was raised on Wednesday 31 August when a dog belonging to Mr Roberts returned home.

The search for the second body will continue.

Police will release further information once this becomes available. However no further updates will be made until tomorrow. The name of the man whose body has been found will not be released tonight.

- NZ POLICE