Source: Radio New Zealand
A search operation had taken place at Mahurangi River in Warkworth after reports of a man and his car were washed away in floodwaters earlier this week. RNZ / Finn Blackwell
Police have named the man who was found dead in the Mahurangi River near Warkworth as Tekanimaeu Arobati, 47, from Kiribati.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time, and we are offering support to the family.”
Police had said earlier on Monday that a body was recovered after a driver was swept away in a car on Wednesday morning.
Searchers, including whitewater raft teams and drone operators had been scouring the area, as several North Island regions struggled with severe rain, flooding, landslides and storms this week.
Fire and Emergency earlier said two people had been in the car and attempted to cross a ford through the flooded river when they got into trouble. The passenger was able to escape, and seek help.
The death has been referred to the Coroner.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
