Police ask for help to identify two bodies

A man's body was found in the Kaituna River near Rotorua today. Photo / file

Police are asking for the public's help to identify two bodies found today, one in a river near Rotorua and another in a car in Motueka.

A man's body was by found by kayakers in the Kaituna River near Rotorua about 3pm, downstream from the Okere Falls bridge on State Highway 33.

A police statement said the man was possibly Caucasian, short and of medium build. He was wearing a checked long-sleeve shirt with a "Woodstock" emblem on the left shoulder, long dark pants and blue running shoes.

He may have been in the water for a number of days or longer, the statement said.

There was no information available at this stage as to how the man came to be in the water or how he died.

Police asked for anyone who thinks they may know the man to get in touch.

They can do so by contacting Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Another body was found in a vehicle at the Motueka Beach Reserve area today after police received an anonymous call.

"At this stage there are no indications of any suspicious circumstances and the matter will be referred to the coroner," police said in a statement.

The vehicle had been removed from the scene this evening for forensic examination.

Police appealed for anyone who had seen the silver Toyota Previa in the wider Motueka area to get in touch.

Anyone with information was asked to call Nelson Police on (03) 546 3840.