A man has been found dead following a major search and rescue operation launched after a kayaker went missing in waters off Waiwera on Sunday morning.
Emergency services were first alerted at around 7.35am after reports the kayaker had entered the water and failed to resurface. Police immediately initiated a coordinated response, deploying the Maritime Unit aboard *Deodar*, the Police Eagle helicopter, Surf Life Saving New Zealand personnel, and volunteers from Hibiscus Coastguard to search the area.
Search efforts continued throughout the morning, with Police Search and Rescue teams preparing to carry out a shoreline search at low tide as emergency crews remained highly visible in the area.
Police later confirmed that the body of a man was located early in the afternoon. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities are providing support to the man’s family, and the death will now be referred to the Coroner.
