Mystery dead Hamilton cyclist named

A dead Hamilton cyclist identified four days after her body was found is Joan Pani Hiwinui, 40.

Ms Hiwinui was found dead in a Hamilton stream beside her bike on Sunday and was identified yesterday morning.

She was found dead in knee-deep water on Sunday by two teenagers taking a break from their church service at Hamilton Central Baptist.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karl Thornton, of Hamilton, said police had been contacted by Ms Hiwinui's family, who were "extremely distraught".

"At this point, from a police perspective, we're happy about being able to bring closure for both Joan and her family's sake. We'll be meeting with family this afternoon to discuss what if any further details can be released."

The Coroner would determine Ms Hiwinui's cause of death, he said.

The woman's family had become concerned when they had not heard from her and were unable to locate her, so contacted police.

Mr Thornton earlier said it was unusual that it taken so long to identify a body.

Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean told the Herald the case was unusual given that the body had been found within a day and had strong visual clues. Mr MacLean said it was more common for authorities to struggle when the remains were damaged in an accident.
Before the positive identification coroners nationwide believed the woman was the only unidentified body in the country.

- NZ Herald staff