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A skeleton, believed to be that of a man who went missing four years ago, has been found in mangroves near Whangarei.
Whangarei police spokeswoman Sarah Kennett said a kayaker found the body at the mouth of Otaika River on Saturday.
"Police detectives examined the area where the body was discovered and, as a result of their inquiries, they believe the body is that of Michael Phillip Howard," she said.
Mr Howard was 21 when he was reported missing by his family in July 2003 when he did not return from a job interview.
Police made enquiries at the time but they were "inconclusive", Ms Kennett said.
She said the body has not been formally identified and police will be carrying out further enquiries. The body has been referred to the Coroner.
