Missing hunter's body found

The Waioeka Gorge near Opotiki. Photo / Alan Gibson

An elderly eastern Bay of Plenty man who went missing on a hunting trip last weekend has been found dead in bush.

Police said the body of Sydney Koroua, aged 73, of Opotiki, was discovered last night by Whakatane Land Search and Rescue volunteers close to the start of the Waioeka Gorge, south of Opotiki, where he went into the bush.

His body was flown out today and returned to whanau at the Waioeka Marae.

Police said the matter had been referred to the coroner.

- NZPA